Latest H1N1 developments from officials

Key developments on H1N1 (swine flu) outbreaks, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and government officials:

-- Deaths: 12 confirmed in Mexico and one confirmed in U.S., a 23-month-old boy from Mexico who died in Texas. Mexico's Health Secretary no longer releasing “suspected numbers,” saying they are confusing people and may be inflated. The last previous number of people suspected to be sickened with swine flu was 2,498.

-- Sickened: 300 confirmed in Mexico. Confirmed elsewhere: 132 in U.S.; 34 in Canada; 13 in Spain; eight in Britain; four each in Germany and New Zealand; two in Israel; one each in Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands.

-- In U.S., CDC confirms 109 cases and state officials confirm 23 more. CDC confirms: 50 in New York; 28 in Texas; 14 in California; 10 in South Carolina; two each in Kansas and Massachusetts; and one each in Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Michigan and Nevada. State officials confirm five in New Jersey; four in Delaware; three additional cases in Arizona; four additional cases in California; two each in Colorado and Virginia; one additional case in Michigan; and one each in Georgia and Minnesota.

-- Nearly 300 schools close nationwide, with at least 200 in Texas and 62 in Alabama, plus scattered closings in New York, California, South Carolina, Connecticut, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arizona, Ohio, Utah, Washington state, Michigan, Maine and Maryland.

-- The World Health Organization increases its tally of confirmed swine flu cases around the world to 331 from 257.

-- The World Health Organization said it will stop using the term “swine flu” to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. It will instead refer to the virus by its scientific name, “H1N1 influenza A.”

-- The Obama administration comes out against closing the U.S.-Mexico border. Vice President Joe Biden said it would be “a monumental undertaking” with limited benefit.

-- White House said aide to Energy Secretary Steven Chu apparently got sick helping arrange President Barack Obama's recent trip to Mexico but aide did not fly on Air Force One and never posed a risk to the president.

-- Public health emergency declared in the United States and millions of doses of Tamiflu from federal stockpile being delivered to states. U.S. buying 13 million treatment courses of anti-flu drugs to replenish stockpile, sending 400,000 treatment courses to Mexico.

-- Texas Gov. Rick Perry issues disaster declaration.

-- Scattered cancellations or postponements of sporting events across the country, including the suspension of all high school sports competitions in Texas until May 11.

-- Two leading U.S. makers of respiratory masks ramp up production to meet heavy demand from pharmacies.

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Answer ONE or more of the questions on this topic. The questions are here to get you thinking about the topic and about possible ideas.

In your opinion, has news coverage of the H1N1 Virus, commonly known as "Swine Flu" been responsible or has it blown the whole thing out of proportion?

Are there any swine flu cases in your state?

Was it a good decision for the WHO to call the disease H1N1 instead of swine flu?

What do you think should be done (if anything) to combat the swine flu?

Are you nervous about the flu? Are people in your community nervous?

Why are people concerned that the flu will further weaken the economy?

How does this compare to other worldwide pandemics either current or historical?

Do you think that this disease will contribute to prejudice or discrimination against Mexicans?

Are you satisfied with the U.S. response to the flu outbreak? What do you think of the response in other countries?
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