Update on Flu Epidemy (H1N1)

The number of deaths due to the Flu Epidemy has risen to 106, 89 in Mexico, 14 in the United States, 2 in Canada and 1 in Costa Rica, while the total number of cases is over 12000 around the world. More than half of the cases are in the United States. In South America the country most affected is Chile and in Central America, Panama has reported 79 cases.
A vaccine is in the process of development and it will be several months before it is ready for the market. Meanwhile, Tamiflu and Relenza, are useful if taken within the first few days of illness. In many wountries custom officials use face masks when greeting travelers from affected countries.
The World Health Organization has declared alert 5 but is reluctant to declare a full pandemic of severity phase 6.