Swine Flu May Have Spread to Orlando, Florida

Swine flu may have spread to Orlando, Florida. A visitor who came to Disney attractions may have swine flu.

New reports say a case of swine flu is awaiting conformation in Orlando, Florida. News station, WFTV in Orlando obtained an email regarding a Mexican tourist who recently visited Disney world. The email is allegedly from Florida Hospital officer, Loran Hauck. The email says "A case was diagnosed here in Orlando today on a tourist from Mexico who came to Disney attractions two days ago to visit,. Florida Hospital held a press conference today in which they denied the swine flu case in their Orlando hospital. Dr. Scott C. Brady, vice president of Florida Hospital in Orlando said at the press conference that "The hospital would have to wait 24 to 48 hours for confirmation from state officials.", The Miami Herald has reported. A sample has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, results should be available soon.

If swine flu is in fact in Orlando the tourism industry will no doubt suffer. Just like after the 9/11 attacks people will be afraid to visit places like Walt Disney world. More and more Americans are becoming aware of this new threat and are scared. Tourism all over the US will likely suffer if swine flu continues to spread.

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory regarding non-essential travel to Mexico due to swine flu. As of today, cruise ships were still docking in Mexico and airlines are still flying in and out. On Monday a European Union official advised travelers to postpone travel to the United States. The AP reported that Russia, Hong Kong and Taiwan will quarantine any visitors showing symptoms of swine flu.

As a parent I worry about swine flu becoming a pandemic. I am taking the steps all parents should take to try to prevent my children for becoming ill. I have reminded my kids that hand washing is essential and to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough. I do not want to frighten my children just make them aware of normal healthy practices. Like many parents, I am limiting the amount of news coverage I watch around my children. Children can become easily frightened after hearing about swine flu on the news.

Sources
Miami Herald "Reported case of swine flu in Orlando awaits confirmation"
WFTV "Florida Hospital Denies Swine Flu Case Has Been Confirmed"
U.S. Department of State Travel alert for Mexico
MSNBC"Swine flu prompts EU warning on travel to U.S."
CDC "Swine Influenza and You"