Swine Flu: US Death Toll Touches 4000

It has been 6 months since the H1N1 pandemic affected humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that there have been 4000 deaths in the United States due to swine flu, and they fear that this number is only going to increase more rapidly. Out of these, nearly 600 deaths have been children. A staggering 22 million Americans contracted the deadly virus, with around 100,000 having to be hospitalized for treatment. 8 million of these were children, with around 35,000 admissions to hospitals for treatment.

Swine flu emerged in Mexico in the month of April, and by June it was declared to be a global flu pandemic. Now, according to the World Health Organization, the death toll globally has crossed 6,000. During the past week the US reported the most deaths compared to any other country, with nearly 250 people succumbing to the virus. Mexico was next with nearly 70 confirmed deaths. Also, 4 countries confirmed their very first swine flu deaths - Belarus, Pakistan, Slovenia, and Austria. With swine flu showing no sign of relenting, India has managed a slowdown in the death rate, where it has been on a downward trend of late.

There is a double worry at present for the health authorities. Globally people were very cautious and took all possible preventive measures. But, after the initial hype and scare, people all over the world seem to have relaxed as far as precaution is concerned. And with the onset of winter, the number of positive cases are on the rise, as expected. Millions of swine Flu doses are being dispatched to various states, and it is being hoped that the spread of the virus can be curbed before it catches unimaginable proportions.