The number of US swine flu cases has doubled to 50 this morning. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says pork remains safe to eat during the outbreak as long as it’s properly cooked. According to the CDC’s fact sheet on swine flu:
Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
The CDC’s tips for staying healthy during the outbreak include the common-sense measures for avoiding any influenza, such as frequent hand washing and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing.
You’ll notice the green badge in the left sidebar linking to the latest official tips and information. Evening Update: American pork producers say the outbreak and unfounded consumer fears are already hurting pork sales and they want the flu to be called by another name. The World Health Organization is resisting that, but apparently someone in Washington is willing to go along. I notice the green badge, which said Swine Flu Info this morning, now says 2009 Flu Info.
Further information is also available at these links:
Swine Flu and You
Flu-related travel notices
PandemicFlu dot gov
Influenza: Pigs, People and Public Health (PDF)
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Wow, there is a widget for Swine flu, well done! It reminds me of SARS when I was still in Hong Kong. Our company was split into 2 teams and went to the office every other week. Hope it will go away very soon!
Janet_Gourmettraveller 88’s last blog post..homemade Gianduja Chocolate ice cream (made without machine !!!)
I just hope people don’t panic and I wish the cable news channels would stop acting as if we’re engulfed by the bubonic plague.
As for the widget, we can thank having computer-savvy people in Washington — finally!
At the risk of sounding like I’m sticking my head in the sand, I think people are getting WAY too worked up about the whole thing. There have been no reported cases in our state (Missouri), nor any of the surrounding states. If and when it gets closer I may be a little more concerned.
However, even if it was on my doorstep the LAST thing I would think about is contacting this flu from eating pork. I thought everyone knew that viruses are passed from person to person.
It’s always risky to assume what “everyone” knows or whether what they know is true or the standard to judge is true. I do think the cable blabbers are hyping concern, but that doesn’t mean there’s no threat. It’s a brand new virus.
A couple hundred more kids are thought to be infected this evening and Dr. Fauci (remember him?) told Congress today it’s a hybrid virus with pig, bird and human genetic components. As for spreading flu…remember Avian Flu from just a few years ago?