SESSION 15: TEXT FOR WEDNESDAY 6TH MAY
SWINE FLU DEATHS EXPECTED TO RISE
Text taken and adapted from:
THE ARTICLE:
Health officials from around the world have warned that swine flu may cause more deaths. Nearly 150 people have died so far in Mexico. There are fears that this death toll will rise, and that people will start dying in other countries. There are already around 2,000 reported cases of the virus in Mexico. Countries as far away as New Zealand, Spain, Canada and Scotland have also reported outbreaks. U.S. health officials have warned American citizens that there could be fatalities in the USA. Dr. Richard Besser of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told reporters: "From what we understand in Mexico, I think people need to be ready for the idea that we could see more severe cases in this country and possibly deaths."
Health organizations everywhere are preparing for a pandemic. Scientists say the virus has not been seen before. This means there is not yet a vaccine against it. Dr. Besser warned it was not easy to predict how serious the virus is. He explained: "Outbreaks of infectious diseases are extremely unpredictable and variable, and so over time, what we say about this and what we learn will change." Many countries are taking precautions to prevent swine flu crossing the borders. However, it is almost impossible to stop the virus entering a country via airplane or ship passengers. The outbreak could be bad for the world´s economy, especially the airline industry. Many would-be travellers are canceling their travel plans and staying at home.
"Swine flu deaths expected to rise" - 28th April, 2009
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