Wide Angle: Swine Flu Outbreak Swine flu cases have quickly skyrocketed, especially in Mexico. The sudden outbreak of a flu virus that's killing the young and healthy begs the question, is this the next "Big One?" We look at pandemics and the flu in this Wide Angle.

Print Email ShareThis

 

Scientists, as well as CDC and world health officials, are very concerned that this strain of flu could turn into a pandemic. Credit: AP

 

Mexican officials passed out face masks to the public to try to stamp out the spread of the swine flu virus. Credit: AP

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking cases of swine flu in the United States. The CDC is preparing local and state clinics to treat the virus, and some cities have issued face masks and personal contact guidelines to combat the spread of germs. Discovery News looks at whether this swine flu outbreak could be the next pandemic, how microbes behave, and more.

• Top 10: Top 10 Animals That Carry Flu
  Which animals can pass the flu virus on to people? Find out in our Top 10.
  
  
• IM Interview: Microbes Spread in the Wind 
  Dust storms can carry the germs that cause illnesses like swine flu to far-flung parts of the globe.
  
  
• Video: Coughing Robot Spews 'Flu Germs'
  Flu viruses are spread in part by coughing and sneezing. A coughing robot shows James Williams just how far those germs can fly. 
  
  
• HowStuffWorks: The 10 Worst Epidemics
  Experts say a flu pandemic is inevitable, given the existence of avian and swine flu viruses. Epidemics can become pandemics, if they're not controlled. Read about the worst.
  


SWINE FLU NEWS 


• News: April 27, 2009 Is Swine Flu 'The Big One'?
  As reports of a unique form of swine flu erupt around the world, the inevitable question arises: Is this the next big global illness?
  
  
• News: April 26, 2009 -- Swine Flu Symptoms Worse in Mexico than U.S.
  Over 100 people have died in Mexico from a strange human strain of the swine flu, but of the few cases in America, all are recovering. The CDC and others are asking why the virus seems to be weaker in the United States.
  

Read more from: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/swine-flu-outbreak/