Understanding H5N1+H1N1 exposes eugenics plans of enemy CDC/WHO terrorists

[nofakenews]

Mexican President on CNN has powers to break into people's homes, detain people, full martial law powers.

The Mexican government issued a decree authorizing President Felipe Calderon to invoke special powers letting the Health Department isolate patients and inspect homes, incoming travelers and baggage. But officials said it was designed to free health workers from possible legal reprisals and to speed disease control efforts.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-med-swine-flu,0,4588004.story

[Dig]

A Shot in the Dark: Swine Flu's Vaccine Lessons
http://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/Bioter/shotinthedark.html
Source: Washington Post, May 27, 2002.
By David Brown, Washington Post Staff Writer

Twenty-six years ago, the United States government got word that a deadly virus nobody had seen for years -- and which experts thought was gone forever -- was possibly circulating again.

There wasn't any proof it was back, just a few worrisome hints. However, the microbe had killed millions of people earlier in the century, so even a small amount of evidence had to be taken seriously. So, at great effort and expense, the government launched a plan to vaccinate the American population against the virus.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. But it turned into one of the biggest public health debacles in memory.

The disease was swine flu, whose appearance in 1976 was believed to be a reincarnation of the infection that killed tens of millions of people in 1918 and 1919. Today, the U.S. government is engaged in similar deliberations about smallpox, a disease officially eradicated in 1980 but whose virus some experts believe may be possessed by terrorists.

Over the next month, a panel of scientific experts convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will debate the value -- and hazards -- of making the smallpox vaccine available in the United States for the first time in 30 years. Universal vaccination is out of the question, but widespread distribution is possible. By the end of June, the experts will recommend a course of action to the Bush administration.

Influenza and smallpox -- and their vaccines -- differ in innumerable ways, making comparisons tricky. Influenza occurs naturally and spreads quickly. Smallpox hasn't existed outside of laboratory freezers since 1978, but might be in terrorist arsenals. The flu vaccine has few serious side effects, while the smallpox vaccine has many.

Nevertheless, the swine flu campaign is the one recent example of a large, government-sponsored emergency immunization program, and as such may offer lessons for today.

Events began with the death, on Feb. 4, 1976, of an Army recruit at Fort Dix, N.J., during an outbreak of respiratory infections following the holidays. Throat washings were taken from 19 ill soldiers, and a majority tested positive for that winter's dominant strain of the influenza virus, which was called A/Victoria. But four samples were different, and New Jersey public health officials sent them to the CDC to be identified.

On Feb. 12, the CDC delivered a chilling report. The four samples -- which included one from the dead soldier -- were swine flu. As the name suggests, swine flu was endemic to pigs. However, the devastating pandemic of the Spanish flu in 1918 and 1919 is believed to have been caused by a strain of swine flu that, through mutation, gained the ability to infect people.

In 1927, a scholar put the Spanish flu's global mortality at 21.5 million. In 1991, a systematic recalculation raised it to 30 million. The latest estimate, published in the current Bulletin of the History of Medicine, sets the minimum mortality at 50 million, with an upper limit of 100 million.

The possibility that the Spanish flu had reemerged was a matter whose importance is hard to overstate -- and wasn't missed by anyone in 1976. Within days of identifying the strain, federal health officials were meeting at the CDC to discuss what to do.

According to various accounts, the idea that a swine flu epidemic was quite unlikely never received a full airing or a fair hearing, although numerous experts apparently held that view. Instead, the notion that an epidemic was likely enough to warrant population-wide vaccination grew from dominant opinion to unquestioned gospel.

At the same time, the rhetoric of risk suffered steady inflation as the topic moved from the mouths of scientists to the mouths of government officials. In a memo prepared for his superiors at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW), David Sencer, head of the CDC, talked about the "strong possibility" of a swine flu epidemic. Later, HEW's general counsel commented that "the chances seem to be 1 in 2." A memo from the HEW secretary to the head of the Office of Management and Budget noted that "the projections are that this virus will kill one million Americans in 1976."

A few experts suggested the vaccine be made and stockpiled but used only if there was more evidence of an epidemic. This was considered but rejected early on. The argument was that the influenza vaccine had few, if any, serious side effects, and that it would be far easier (and more defensible) to get it into people's bodies before people started dying.

On March 24, President Gerald Ford announced on television that he was asking Congress for $135 million "to inoculate every man, woman and child in the United States" against swine flu.

Over the next nine months, very little went right -- or as planned.

Pharmaceutical companies undertook crash programs to make enough of the vaccine by the start of flu season in October. But it turned out the Fort Dix bug grew poorly in chicken eggs, the growth medium for the influenza virus. This meant that yields were going to be about half of what was planned. In addition, one company used the wrong virus and had to start over.

The insurance industry announced it wouldn't insure manufacturers against liability arising from the vaccine. An act of Congress shifted most of the liability to the government.

Studies of Fort Dix's soldiers showed that about 500 had been infected with swine flu. But with only one death, this called into question the deadliness of the strain. In addition, swine flu didn't appear that summer in the Southern Hemisphere, as would be expected if a pandemic were starting.

Tests showed that single injections of some vaccine formulations didn't protect children. This required time-consuming studies of a two-shot regimen.

Albert Sabin, the father of the oral polio vaccine and a high-profile advocate, broke with the party line and called for stockpiling, but not immediate use, of the vaccine.

Three elderly people in Pittsburgh died on the same day within hours of getting swine flu shots. It was a chance event, but just the sort of guilt by association that arises whenever a public health intervention is done on a mass scale.

What killed the program, though, was the observation in early December that people given the swine flu vaccine had an increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare, usually reversible but occasionally fatal form of paralysis. Research showed that while the actual risk for Guillain-Barre was only about 1 in 1,000 among people who had received the vaccine, that was about seven times higher than for people who didn't get the shot.

On Dec. 16, the swine flu vaccine campaign was halted. About 45 million people had been immunized. The federal government eventually paid out $90 million in damages to people who developed Guillain-Barre. The total bill for the program was more than $400 million.

There are a lot of lessons to draw, said Harvey Fineberg, a former dean of Harvard's School of Public Health, who co-authored an analysis of the "swine flu affair" for Joseph A. Califano, HEW secretary under President Jimmy Carter, who succeeded Ford in January 1977.

Among them: Don't over-promise; think carefully about what needs to be decided when; don't expect the consensus of experts to hold in the face of changing events. The biggest, he said recently, was perhaps the most obvious: Expect the unexpected at all times.

[MarkCentury]

Here's a link to tonight's emergency broadcast:

http://freespeech.vo.llnwd.net/o25/pub/media/20090425_Sat_SpecialReportSwineFlu_Alex.mp3

[Dig]

Swine Flu and the Economy
http://caps.fool.com/Blogs/ViewPost.aspx?bpid=185912&t=01001956829776242957
April 25, 2009 – Comments (9)

Haven't seen any articles on this combo yet, so I'll start one here...(that's me...always trying to put square pegs into round holes...)

Situation

As you may or may not have heard about, there's a type of swine flu that has been causing illnesses in the US and Mexico.  According to recent articles, there have been about 68 or so deaths due to this virus (apparently all in Mexico), and the same strain has been reported in widely separated areas of the US.

Implications

Now, there may or may not be a real, personal danger in this bug.  Remember the bird flu?  Everyone was (and some still are) panicked over the possiblity of a pandemic (meaning, a widespread, uncontrollable outbreak).  So far, 4-5 years on...nothing, or at least nothing really big.  (Yes, that's a cold statement when there are people who have lost family to that virus...but in the macroeconomic scheme, it never really materialized into a major impact...)

However, this particular virus is hitting at a vulnerable time.  The world's economies are already in weak shape; people are already worried about jobs, homes, food, etc.  Add in the possibility of death, and it's Katy bar the door...

See, the difference for this particular flu is two-fold for the US:  First, there are already 68+ deaths...not the "it may become fatal at some point in the future..."  The second impact is that it is right freaking here!

You see, the First Law of Fear Dynamics states that the amount of fear induced is inversely proportional to the distance of the cause.  12 time zones away, a farmer gets sick from handling his chickens around meal time...ooo, bad.  6 times zones away, a village is wiped out with a herorrhagic fever that makes you bleed from every pore and orifice...that rates a movie!

But when a new disease breaks out in the neighboring country, of all places...watch out!  And it gets better:  According to this, Mexico City Airport served about 26 million people in 2008.  It's not a backwater with an occasional layover...it's a major hub for travel.  If the virus is easily communicable, lots of people from lots of countries will be exposed...and do their part in spreading it around the world.

You're going to see all sorts of reactions.  I expect some to be reasonable, some to be reactionary...and possibly a few to be Machiavellian in nature.

...none bode well for the economy in its current condition.

For example, a reasonable reaction would be to establish a reporting system to specifically track the outbreaks.  The downside is that either every single newly reported case will have a magnified impact on the local economy.  People in the area will stop going out for fear of "The SuperFlu."   I would expect affected areas to show a significant drop in major retail outlets, malls, casinos, and sporting events.  (Hmmm...can I short the Atlanta Braves?)

(On the other hand, I'll leave it to the tinfoil hat folks to argue the impact of not reporting the new outbreaks....that, too, will have a significant impact.)

A reactionary example would be Congress debating (and ordering) the stockpiling of vaccines...if they exist.  I say "reactionary" because by the time the vote happens, the whole thing will be way past containment...or it will turn out to be nothing.  Sorry, that's just the way government seems to work.  On the other hand, whoever can make this vaccine will be rich...

Other reactionary events would be attempting to quarantine large areas (usually too late), expanding powers for health and law enforcement (viruses live in dread of a man with a gun, you know), and  state and municipal officials each coming up with their own "plans of action"...ignoring that people cross their borders as a matter of fact.

Bad time to be a trucker, bad time to be in mass transportation (subways, buses, planes...)  Actually, a bad time to be in any job where you deal with lots of strangers on a regular basis.

As for the Machiavellian moves...*sigh* ...too many to count.  It's livestock-related, so expect more push for government oversight of farms.  Big industrial farms will welcome this, because they have big lobbies to get exemptions.

Expanded powers for the CDC and health officials...meaning a bigger budget.  If people get too panicked, expect some form of government mandates for production of food, gas, materials, etc.  Retail businesses and banks will probably blame the "economic impact of the flu" on any earnings shortfalls (even if they just screwed up their business), and thus ask for taxpayer aid....

Why Would Any of This Happen?

All of this sounds pretty extreme; it's only a few cases so far, so why go into what sounds like a bad movie?  Because people are already nervous.  Savings are down, retirements are wiped out or in jeopardy, jobs are being lost, big companies might go under (I'm talking to you, GM.)

And a lot of people are already wary of "government help."  After shoveling billions (arguably trillions) to save people from economic mistakes, there is still a strong argument that it was pointless....the "little guy" hasn't seen much, if any, relief.

Now add in the real fear that you or your loved ones could be poor, without a job, and deathly ill.  That's the kind of incentive to lay low, be extremely careful, and either spend nothing or spend everything on "survival" stuff...food, water...the snake oil the will cure or prevent the disease...

(You laugh, and we all laugh at stories about how villagers would wear wreaths of flowers around their necks to ward off the Black Death...but if it was your family, wouldn't you be deparate to try anything?)

I say this:  If, and that's a big "if," this SuperFlu gains a foothold, either in the imagination or in the population, it will exacerbate economic problems at least five-fold.  Some businesses will thrive; many will suffer a little, and certain ones will bear the brunt of the impact.

Let the flaming commence...what do you think?

[Dig]

Biotechnology Company Provided Advance Warning of Mexican H1N1 "Swine Flu" Virus Outbreak

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/04/prweb2360154.htm



Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning in April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics. The April 2008 announcement, attached below as published on the Web, stated that in H1N1 the company had then detected the highest concentrations of these specific regions ever seen, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics. A synthetic H1N1 Replikins Vaccine is available for testing, and related products are described below and on the company's website.

(PRWEB) April 25, 2009 -- Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning in April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics.

The April 2008 announcement, attached below as published on the Web, stated that in H1N1 the company had then detected the highest concentrations of these specific regions ever seen, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics.

Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning on April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics.

A synthetic H1N1 Replikins Vaccine is available for testing. A similar synthetic Replikin Vaccine has been shown to successfully block the entry of H5N1 virus into, replication in, and excretion from chickens. Another synthetic Replikin Vaccine has been shown to protect 91% of shrimp from the lethal Taura Syndrome Virus. The company is able to produce these vaccines in as little as 7 days, rather than the many months needed for traditional vaccines, because they are synthesized at the peptide level.

The following is the text of the April 2008 release in which Replikins was able to pinpoint the high risk of H1N1 outbreaks:

"H1N1 Influenza Virus with Highest Replikin Count™ Since the 1918 Pandemic Identified in the U.S. and Austria

Boston, MA (PRWeb) April 7, 2008 -- Replikins, Ltd. has found that the Replikin Count™ of the H1N1 strain of influenza virus has recently increased to 7.6 (plus/minus 1.4), its highest level since the 1918 H1N1 pandemic (p value less than 0.001). A rising Replikin Count of a particular influenza strain, indicating rapid replication of the virus, is an early warning which has been followed consistently by an outbreak of the specific strain. The current increase appears to be specific to H1N1; there was a concurrent 80% decline in the Replikin Count of H3N2, for instance.

The current H1N1 appears to be rapidly replicating simultaneously in the U.S. and Austria. It may succeed H5N1 as the leading candidate for the next expected overdue pandemic. However, the same virus replikin structures detected by FluForecast® software in all three previous pandemics, namely 1918 H1N1, 1957 H2N2, and 1968 H3N2, as well as in H5N1, have not yet been detected in the currently evolving H1N1.

There is evidence that many factors, including virus structure, host receptivity, and the environment, together with infectivity and rapid replication, need to converge for a pandemic to occur. For H5N1, the high human mortality rate, which peaked at over 80% in 2006-07 in Indonesia, as well as current low infectivity, both appear to limit H5N1's ability to produce a pandemic. Furthermore, the H5N1 rapid replication cycle which began in 1996 now appears to be over. The H5N1 virus produced less than 300 World Health Organization confirmed deaths over the past 10 years.

On the other hand, H1N1, with an estimated human mortality rate of only 2.5 to 10%, but with much higher infectivity, produced an estimated 50 million deaths in the 1918 pandemic. A number of countermeasures exist today which did not exist in 1918, however. Among these is Replikins' ability to manufacture synthetic vaccines based on current sequences, with a seven day production turnaround. (end of 4/2008 release)

In the April 2008 announcement above, as published on the Web, Replikins stated that it had detected the highest levels of its specific genome regions ever seen in any virus samples, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed tens of millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics.

The original release can be found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103052.php and http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-technology-1/H1N1-Influenza-Virus-With-Highest-Replikin-Count-28TM-29-Since-the-1918-Pandemic-Identified-in-the-U-S--and-Austria-4432-1/, among other sites.

# # #

Has everybody read this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[jflack]

Forgive me.  This is a spanish to english translation of article from yesterday, April 25, 2009 from http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/167500.html

This article basically says that Mexican company Birmex warned of a possible pandemic outbreak 2 years ago and that they needed to buy laboratories from vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur.  The budget wasn't granted.  

------------------------------------------------------------

Producer warned of the possible crisis 2 years ago

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/167500.html

Since the end of 2007, Biological and Reactive Laboratories of of Mexico (Birmex), company of state participation majority producer of the vaccine against influenza, noticed a scene of possible threat of pandemic by influenza, as well as a deficit of doses necessary to take care of the national market in a crisis context.

It argued mainly that the lack of infrastructure to produce a vaccine in Mexico represented a risk, when “not taking the measures to attack the problem opportunely and to leave to the vulnerable population this suffering”. In order to solve the lack of infrastructure, Birmex suggested to the Secretariat of Health, from 2006, to buy to laboratories Sanofi Pasteur the plant of phamacists in Cuatitlán Izcalli, state to him of Mexico with a value of 244,4 million weights, and to conform an alliance strategic to produce the vaccine.

Nevertheless, Property did not grant the budget for the transaction in 2007 and 2008; Birmex has capacity to produce 8 million annual doses, that do not cover the present demand, “nor only would cover the extraordinary one in case of appearing a pandemic”.

The Project for the vaccine production against influenza, analysis of currency savings for Mexico and evaluation of benefit-cost elaborated by Birmex and given to the Secretariat of Property the 15 of November of 2007, the laboratory raised a scene of possible repercussions by a pandemic of influenza in the country, with a tip of the disease appears until the fifth week with high rates of mortality. The scene anticipates at least 21 thousand 522 deaths and a maximum of 117 thousands 461; whereas the number of hospitalizations would oscillate between 80 thousands and 352 thousands. In as much, the minimum number of consultations would be of 11,7 million and the maximum of 20,7 million.

The possible economic impact contemplates to at least 186 million 935 thousand days of lost work, as well as economic losses by 34 thousand 691 million weights. The maximum scene of lost days would be of 238 million 67 and losses by 44 thousand 180 million weights.

[Dig]

Forgive me.  This is a spanish to english translation of article from yesterday, April 25, 2009 from http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/167500.html

This article basically says that Mexican company Birmex warned of a possible pandemic outbreak 2 years ago and that they needed to buy laboratories from vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur.  The budget wasn't granted.  

------------------------------------------------------------

Producer warned of the possible crisis 2 years ago

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/167500.html

Since the end of 2007, Biological and Reactive Laboratories of of Mexico (Birmex), company of state participation majority producer of the vaccine against influenza, noticed a scene of possible threat of pandemic by influenza, as well as a deficit of doses necessary to take care of the national market in a crisis context.

It argued mainly that the lack of infrastructure to produce a vaccine in Mexico represented a risk, when “not taking the measures to attack the problem opportunely and to leave to the vulnerable population this suffering”. In order to solve the lack of infrastructure, Birmex suggested to the Secretariat of Health, from 2006, to buy to laboratories Sanofi Pasteur the plant of phamacists in Cuatitlán Izcalli, state to him of Mexico with a value of 244,4 million weights, and to conform an alliance strategic to produce the vaccine.

Nevertheless, Property did not grant the budget for the transaction in 2007 and 2008; Birmex has capacity to produce 8 million annual doses, that do not cover the present demand, “nor only would cover the extraordinary one in case of appearing a pandemic”.

The Project for the vaccine production against influenza, analysis of currency savings for Mexico and evaluation of benefit-cost elaborated by Birmex and given to the Secretariat of Property the 15 of November of 2007, the laboratory raised a scene of possible repercussions by a pandemic of influenza in the country, with a tip of the disease appears until the fifth week with high rates of mortality. The scene anticipates at least 21 thousand 522 deaths and a maximum of 117 thousands 461; whereas the number of hospitalizations would oscillate between 80 thousands and 352 thousands. In as much, the minimum number of consultations would be of 11,7 million and the maximum of 20,7 million.

The possible economic impact contemplates to at least 186 million 935 thousand days of lost work, as well as economic losses by 34 thousand 691 million weights. The maximum scene of lost days would be of 238 million 67 and losses by 44 thousand 180 million weights.

Apparently everbody warned about this, look one article above yours.

[JTCoyoté]

Here is how they are "Reporting" it today in Colima Mx...

Translated Article

JTCoyoté

"If the public are bound to yield obedience to laws to which they
cannot give their approbation, they are slaves to those who make
such laws and enforce them. " ~Candidus,
in the Boston Gazette, January 20, 1772

[Dig]

Barack Obama appoints Partner from...
Pandemic/Swine Flu Venture Capital Firm
as
Economic Recovery Advisory Board Member

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obama taps Kleiner Perkins' John Doerr
http://www.thedeal.com/dealscape/2009/02/president_obama_taps_kleiner_p.php
Published February 6, 2009 at 2:31 PM

When asked earlier this week how long the economy will remain in its current sorry state, John Doerr, the Silicon Valley venture capitalist tapped by President Obama for the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, responded, "I have no idea."  As for predicting what will lift the country out of recession, the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers partner sounds more sure-footed. "I might not know when this is going to end," Doerr (pictured) told a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle at the TED conference Tuesday, "but I think we'll see a huge wave of green innovation that will do for us today what the Internet did for us in 1996." That's certainly the bet he's making at Kleiner Perkins, which boasts cleantech champion former Vice President Al Gore among its partners. In May, the firm launched a $500 million Green Fund.

Doerr is best known for backing computer and Internet companies including Amazon.com Inc., Compaq, Google Inc., Netsape and Sun Microsystems Inc., but he and his partners have not participated in the biggest Web 2.0 deals, such as MySpace, YouTube LLC and Facebook Inc., and they're not investing in the current wave of hot Internet startups, such as LinkedIn and Twitter Inc. Over the last few years, Doerr has been increasingly focused on cleantech companies, such as smart grid technology provider Silver Spring Networks, in which Kleiner led a $75 million investment recently. In the Obama inner circle, Doerr may rub elbows with another venture capitalist, Julius Genachowski, the president's choice for chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Genachowski, whose new job was cheered by other VCs, is a managing director of venture capital firm Rock Creek Ventures, a special adviser to buyout firm General Atlantic Partners LLC and the co-founder of tech accelerator LaunchBox Digital. Previously, he was former general counsel, head of business operations and a member of Barry Diller's office of the chairman at IAC/InterActiveCorp. - Mary Kathleen Flynn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Venture capital firm set to reap rewards on swine flu
http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN2445216420090424
Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:11pm BST By Alexander Haislip

LOS ANGELES, April 24 (Reuters) - The swine flu outbreak is likely to benefit one of the most prolific and successful venture capital firms in the United States: Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Thomson Reuters Private Equity Week reported on Friday. Shares of the two public companies in the firm's portfolio of eight Pandemic and Bio Defense companies -- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX.O) and Novavax (NVAX.O) -- jumped Friday on news that the swine flu killed a reported 60 people in Mexico and has infected people in the United States. The World Health Organization said the virus appears to be susceptible to Roche's (ROG.VX) flu drug Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, but not to older flu drugs such as amantadine.

[pac522]

Here is how they are "Reporting" it today in Colima Mx...

Translated Article

JTCoyoté

Something is happening when it trys to translate from that link.

Here it is again:

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.ecosdelacosta.com.mx/index.php%3Fseccion%3D15%26id%3D59833%26encabezado%3DEn%2520alerta%2520gobierno%2520estatal%2520sobre%2520situaci%25C3%25B3n%2520de%2520la%2520influenza&ei=yPPzSdfqIIrEMZ3xzbEP&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DEn%2Balerta%2Bgobierno%2Bestatal%2Bsobre%2Bsituaci%25C3%25B3n%2Bde%2Bla%2Binfluenza%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1B2GGIC_enUS211US212

[EvadingGrid]

Reaches New Zealand - Sunday Times



http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article6171388.ece

[jflack]

Apparently the vaccines are on their way to Mexico City.  Courtesy of the pandemic flu vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur.

Translated

Mexico confronts an epidemic of pig influenza that is infected between humans

25 April, 2009 writing by Agencies Original

pig influenza of the cerdosMéxico confronts an epidemic of pig influenza that is infected between humans. Like first preventive measure, the Mexican authorities ordered to suspend to this Friday the classes in all the state schools and deprived in the federal capital and the state of Mexico, due to a situation that in last the three weeks has summoned up the life of 16 people, whereas the Secretariat of Health studies 943 suspicious cases.

The secretary of Health of Mexico, Jose Cordoba, made a call to all the centers to stop his activities in order avoiding that the epidemic propagates. Cordoba said that this pig influenza “constitutes until now controlable a respiratory epidemic”, but that the sanitary authorities want to avoid any type of concentration of people so that the virus does not propagate.

This decision affects 7.5 million students of 30,000 schools and to 420,000 teachers, since also the activities in the Independent National University of Mexico were suspended (UNAM), being the first time from the catastrophic earthquake of 1985 that the authorities take a measurement from this magnitude, the local newspaper informed `Universal'. Although it has not been possible to need the exact number of deceases by this pig influenza, Cordoba it has indicated that until the moment they have confirmed 16 deaths, but clarified that there are 45 “suspicious” deaths.

Also it commented that they are investigating 943 cases of people who could be infected with this virus. However, the World-wide Organization of the Health (the WHO) has alerted that to date “800 supposed cases” of a disease “similar” to the pig influenza have taken place in that country, that has summoned up the life of 57 people in the federal capital. Also she noticed that cases in the state of Potosí San Luis and in center of the country have been registered, where three deaths could have happened. The situation has generated such alarm that the Mexican president, Felipe Calderón, suspended its tour of work by the state of Chihuahua to take care of with its cabinet this crisis and to evaluate the advances of the preventive measures. The first cases produjerón in the USA a few months ago The secretary of Health explained in an interview to the Mexican television that the pig influenza “is a virus that changed of the pigs and it transmitted some human”.

The first cases appeared a few months ago in the south of the United States, where the sanitary authorities confirmed yesterday that at least seven people were infected. Laboratories in Canada and the United States corroborated the presence of the new virus in Mexico and alerted that possibly it was infecting to a number of people that could still not have been needed. Between the symptoms that present/display the patients emphasize fever superior to the 39 degrees that they give of sudden form, cough very hard, intense headache, irritation of the eyes, nasal flow and muscular pains and joints. The specialists have noticed that it is a very contagious disease that attacks old children mainly and.

The more important preventive measure, limited Cordoba, is to avoid the agglomerations, reason why it recommended the citizens to avoid to go to cinemas, bars, restaurants, discotheques and places where a great number of people is concentrated. Also she recommends to move away of people with respiratory diseases, to wash foods well and to maintain the houses cleanest possible. Lack of vaccines The Mexican Government has assured that the situation is “under control”, although has recognized the necessity “to intensify the actions” to continue reducing the number of cases by means of the vaccine distribution that protects in a 90 percent the people. At the moment, they will begin vaccinating the health personnel that works in the hospitals, later to provide it to the population generally, which could become a work uphill because sufficient doses for so many people do not exist, according to have clarified some phamacists.

The medical director of the laboratories Sanofi Pasteur, Patricia Cervantes, said that the vaccine reserves for the pig influenza are “minimum” reason why doubt that reach to realise an extraordinary campaign as they propose the authorities, informed `Universal'.

Cervantes clarified that every year the amount asked for by the countries takes place where the disease appears. At this moment, it commented, are elaborated the doses that will be applied during the winter of this year, following the indications of the WHO.

But the Mexican authorities have assured that in the next hours they hope to receive a million vaccines that will be provided to the residents of City of Mexico, according to today informed the Secretary into Health into the capital, Arming Ahued Grouse.

http://www.abertzale.eu/20090425/2662/mexico-afronta-una-epidemia-de-gripe-porcina-que-se-contagia-entre-humanos/comment-page-1/

[JTCoyoté]

Something is happening when it trys to translate from that link.

Here it is again:

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.ecosdelacosta.com.mx/index.php%3Fseccion%3D15%26id%3D59833%26encabezado%3DEn%2520alerta%2520gobierno%2520estatal%2520sobre%2520situaci%25C3%25B3n%2520de%2520la%2520influenza&ei=yPPzSdfqIIrEMZ3xzbEP&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DEn%2Balerta%2Bgobierno%2Bestatal%2Bsobre%2Bsituaci%25C3%25B3n%2Bde%2Bla%2Binfluenza%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1B2GGIC_enUS211US212

Luckily I still have the original article translated on my tab bar... they switched the link to this guy on the bicycle... now why would they do that...??

Thanks Pac!...

--Oldyoti

Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, "But now, he that hath a purse,
let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword,
let him sell his garment, and buy one".
--Jesus to his disciples

[jflack]

Alright, are we starting to see a connection here?  Vaccine companies, CDC, WHO and government health organizations within U.S. and Mexico.

[chrsswtzr]

Has anyone see the article from the USA Today under the sub-section 'Also today:' from the section Senate panel votes on HHS nominee? The date of the paper was the 21st of April, 2009 (Tuesday).

I will post what it says from the physical paper I have word-for-word verbatim.

------------------------------
> Michigan officials introduce new travel documents, including an enhanced driver's license that can be used for travel to and from Canada and Mexican in lieu of a passport.
------------------------------

I did some digging online and came up with a few links below listed for you:

- Michigan Enhanced Driver's License Approved
http://blogpublic.lib.msu.edu/index.php/2008/10/13/michigan-enhanced-driver-s-license-appro?blog=5
-- (RFID News) Michigan to issue enhanced driver license
http://www.rfidnews.org/2008/10/13/michigan-to-issue-enhanced-driver-license
--- (Department of Homeland Security) Real ID in reference to Enhanced driver's license requirements
http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1200062053842.shtm

The reason I bring this topic up is this. With the recent outbreak of the swine flu and its big news coverage from Canada and Mexico, it really makes one wonder... are they trying to get us to all feel like we are one nation instead of three? Are they trying to influence empathy into the individual for bordering nation(s)? Is this all just another ploy to merge our continent into the American Union? Boy, oh boy... get ready for the MERGE!!!  

Any thoughts, comments, ideas?

Chris Switzer
chrsswtzr@gmail.com

[catholicportugalian]

I am thinking this thing was started at an airport in Mexico City. 

[TahoeBlue]

Has everybody read this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Confirmation of Bogoch Replikins Influenza Patents by Harvard-CDC and Scripps-Crucell Data

BOSTON, March 20 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Replikins, Ltd. announced today that data recently published from Harvard-CDC and Scripps-Crucell in Nature(1) and Science(2) confirms the 2001 discoveries by Dr. Samuel and Elenore Bogoch of peptides in the hemagglutinin unit of influenza, which they named Replikins, which are shared across flu strains, conserved over time, associated with the last three pandemics of 1918, 1957 and 1968, as well as current H5N1 outbreaks, and are the basis of broad spectrum flu vaccines. The Replikins sequences, as specified by the Bogoches, are the subject of granted patents from 2001 and a 2005 monograph(3).
...
http://www.replikins.com

FluForecast™

The current spread of bird flu has drawn attention to the need for improved public health measures to predict, prevent and counter both natural and man-made emerging epidemic threats.

Our FluForecast™ software technology has shown that an increase in Replikin Count™ peptide quantities precedes observed epidemics. In addition, after an epidemic has run its course, there is a decline in Replikin Count™ peptide quantities.

Previously, no quantitative virus protein changes were known which correlate with, let alone predict, influenza epidemics such as the current H5N1 Bird Flu, or indicate their cessation. Advance specific warning, made possible by our discovery of a biochemistry of rapid replication, now allows time
a) for public health measures to be instituted, and
b) for an early start on synthetic vaccine development.

Synthetic Vaccines
There is widespread concern that H5N1 may be a leading candidate for the next pandemic. With advanced warning now possible, the structurally appropriate synthetic Replikin vaccine can be rapidly produced.

Replikins are a new class of peptides whose increase in concentration in virus proteins (Replikin Count™ peptide quantities) is associated with rapid replication. Subtypes of these peptides are consistently present in a wide range of rapidly-replicating viruses, pointing the way towards synthesis of vaccine candidates.

[TahoeBlue]

Just in Time:

http://www.worldpharmanews.com/content/view/719/30/
Sanofi-aventis invests €100 million in new facility in Mexico
     
Thursday, 12 March 2009 
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), has announced the signing of an agreement with the Mexican authorities to build a € 100 million facility to manufacture influenza vaccine in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico, and Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, who was in Mexico City for a State visit.

This facility will be built and operated by sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, which was represented at the ceremony by Chris Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer of sanofiaventis.

"By building this new facility, sanofi-aventis is proud to contribute to the strengthening of Mexico's health infrastructure and is eager to support Mexico's exemplary commitment to public health through influenza immunization and pandemic readiness", said Chris Viehbacher. "This investment illustrates sanofi-aventis' local approach to global health. This facility will benefit public health in Mexico and the Latin American region, in the context of influenza pandemic preparedness."

The agreement was signed by Birmex’ (Laboratorio de Biológicos y Reactivos de México) and sanofi-aventis' representatives in the presence of Dr. José Ángel Córdova Villalobos, Minister of Health of Mexico.

 
The new influenza vaccine plant will be built in Ocoyoacac, where sanofi-aventis already operates a facility. The plant will be designed to switch to pandemic vaccine manufacturing if a human influenza pandemic is declared and a pandemic influenza strain is identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

As the world leader in research, development and manufacturing of influenza vaccines, sanofi pasteur is working to develop new and improved influenza vaccines to save lives and is actively involved in pandemic preparedness. Over the last five years, sanofi pasteur has been consistently investing in major expansions of its influenza vaccine production capacity in the United States, France, China, and now Mexico. With the production of more than 170 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine in 2008, sanofi pasteur confirmed its global influenza vaccine market leadership.

Seasonal influenza overview
Influenza is a disease caused by a highly infectious virus that spreads easily from person to person, primarily when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average global burden of inter-pandemic influenza may be on the order of 1 billion cases per year, leading to 300,000-500,000 deaths worldwide. In temperate climate zones, seasonal epidemics typically begin in the late Fall and peak in mid-winter, infecting about 5-15% of the population each season, while In tropical zones the virus can be isolated year-round. The disease can affect all age groups, but rates of infections are highest among young children who spread the virus and are a potential source of infection in older age cohorts, whereas rates of serious illness, complications and death are highest in persons aged 65 years and older, as well as in persons with chronic cardiac or respiratory conditions. The efficacy of vaccination in reducing the burden of the disease, as well as the economic burden of treating influenza, is well established.

Pandemic Influenza Overview
Influenza is a disease caused by a highly infectious virus that spreads easily from person to person, primarily when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. An influenza pandemic is a global epidemic of an especially virulent virus, newly infectious for humans, and for which there is no preexisting immunity. This is why pandemic strains have such potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to minimize the impact of a pandemic, many countries are developing national and transnational plans against a possible influenza pandemic situation. For more information on sanofi pasteur and pandemic preparedness, please visit http://pandemic.influenza.com.

About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, provided more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccine in 2008, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, sanofi pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us.


BirMex - http://www.birmex.gob.mx/

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.birmex.gob.mx/&ei=LPjzSb-XFOCblQeZv7XRDA&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DBirmex%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Biological Laboratories Reagents and Mexico, SA de CV (Birmex) is a company owned by the Federal Government of Mexico that develops, produces and sells imported vaccines, sera and heterologous clinical diagnostic products.

To meet the demand of the Mexican market, also sells Birmex vaccines, immunoglobulins and diagnostic products manufactured by other companies.

Faced with the challenges of the future, is developing new vaccines Birmex with modern technology to complement its service to its customers.

[KI4BNC]

so I been pretty busy the past couple days with household stuff and work.(about 2:07ish)and I just heard about this thing.I came in here to check the "chatter"(as i like to call it.)and am not making a connection.when I came in my wife was about to check her email or had just done so when I saw the article on yahoo.I think yahoo said 87 dead,geraldo(with the chair?)said 50 or something...I didn't read all 17 pages yet... and on yahoo the article said something like a swine/avian/human influenza.....
"what kind of new-fangled sh!t is this?"maybe i need to go back and read all the pages of this post...
at first when I saw it on tv I was thinking diversionary tactic(torture,the economy,n koreas new missle or any number of things).will post after I read the 17 pages.

[UKStewart82]

so I been pretty busy the past couple days with household stuff and work.(about 2:07ish)and I just heard about this thing.I came in here to check the "chatter"(as i like to call it.)and am not making a connection.when I came in my wife was about to check her email or had just done so when I saw the article on yahoo.I think yahoo said 87 dead,geraldo(with the chair?)said 50 or something...I didn't read all 17 pages yet... and on yahoo the article said something like a swine/avian/human influenza.....
"what kind of new-fangled sh!t is this?"maybe i need to go back and read all the pages of this post...
at first when I saw it on tv I was thinking diversionary tactic(torture,the economy,n koreas new missle or any number of things).will post after I read the 17 pages.

Yeah, giving a synopsis of the reports of the day would be very hard.  It's still very unclear as to what is really going on....

[Dig]

Just in Time:

http://www.worldpharmanews.com/content/view/719/30/
Sanofi-aventis invests €100 million in new facility in Mexico
     
Thursday, 12 March 2009 
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), has announced the signing of an agreement with the Mexican authorities to build a € 100 million facility to manufacture influenza vaccine in Mexico. The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico, and Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, who was in Mexico City for a State visit.

This facility will be built and operated by sanofi pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, which was represented at the ceremony by Chris Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer of sanofiaventis.

"By building this new facility, sanofi-aventis is proud to contribute to the strengthening of Mexico's health infrastructure and is eager to support Mexico's exemplary commitment to public health through influenza immunization and pandemic readiness", said Chris Viehbacher.

Just in the nick of time.

Imagine what would have happened if they did not build the facility. There are so many prophets in this story, almost as if it was made up by them.

[Voskhod3]

This could be the answer to the prayers of Jonathan Porrit and David Attenborough who both in the last couple of weeks were calling for a massive reduction of the world population.

Convenient.

When the bodies are finally counted I hope someone looks at how many NWO connected people died.

[Mike Philbin]

In light of the swine-flu action, I've updated my 1918 "disguised as bird flu" blog post with the part 12 summary of why they might be doing these generated pandemics, and who might be behind it.

http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/2009/04/1918-flu-pandemic-800-million-chinese.html

this is real freakish, shocking stuff, folks.

China (!)

[db]

Why nobody could have stockpiles of vaccine unless they had advanced knowledge:

(BTW the story in Crichton's movie outbreak was totally unreal for this reason) First, to make such a vacinne in any quantities you have to grow cultures of the virus -- usually in some convenient medium like that of a CHICKEN EGG (hint, hint, hint), then you have to inactivate the virus so that it can't replicate in the vaccinated individual (or at least not too effectively), finally various preservatives (Thimerosol etc.) and other compounds are added.

Bottom line, you just can't pull vials of vaccine out of your ass.  They don't just come off an assembly line in minutes.  Large stockpiles take months to produce and this is why they rarely get it right.  Usually the vaccine produced ina given year is not really adequate for the prevalent strains of flu.

In other words, if the CDC say they already have stockpiles of vaccine in any quantity, they are either lying out of their collective asses OR THEY HAD ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE, OR HAD ACCESS TO THE VIRUS FROM THOSE (PROBABLY U.S. MILITARY) WHO PRODUCED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE (IN WHIHC CASE IT COULD NOT BE "NATURAL"), OR THEY ACTUALLY HAD A HAND IN PRODUCING THE VIRUS -- though, I honestly believe their complicity is probably less direct.

[Dig]

CDC reports swine flu virus in Texas patient
www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/general/news/nov2408swine-br.html
Lisa Schnirring  Staff Writer

Nov 24, 2008 (CIDRAP) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in its latest update on the nation's seasonal influenza activity, reported on a person who was infected with a swine influenza virus following several exposures to pigs, including a sick one.

The CDC said the patient was infected with a swine influenza A/H1N1 virus. Although human infections with swine flu viruses are uncommon, many years bring reports of isolated cases, the report said.

The Texas Department of State Health Services, in a flu surveillance activity report for the week ending Nov 15, said the patient got sick in mid October. His or her specimen was collected and the virus identified during routine influenza surveillance. Texas officials, who gave no details about the patient's illness, said their investigation found no illnesses in his or her household or close contacts.

According to the CDC's background information on swine flu, the agency receives about one human influenza isolate each year that tests positive for a swine influenza virus. H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic in US pig populations.

In September, researchers from the CDC and public health officials from Wisconsin published a case report in Emerging Infectious Diseases on a healthy 17-year-old boy who had mild respiratory symptoms in December 2005, 3 days after helping his brother-in-law butcher pigs.

At an outpatient clinic a few days later, healthcare workers collected nasal wash specimens, which tested positive for influenza A and were forwarded to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. Though further testing isolated influenza A, the virus didn't match human H3 or H1 subtypes or the H5 avian subtype. CDC investigators sequenced the virus, identifying it as a swine influenza A (H1N1) triple reassortant virus, A/Wisconsin/87/2005 H1N1.

The report said that triple reassortant H1N1 subtypes are the predominant genotype in North American pigs and that human swine flu illnesses often mimic seasonal flu infections. The authors recommended that clinicians ask patients with unexplained influenza-like illnesses about exposure to animals, including pigs, and visits to petting zoos and county fairs.

Human infections with novel influenza A subtypes now are nationally notifiable diseases in the United States, the group reported. Though human-to-human swine flu transmission is rare, the CDC said human infections with swine H1N1 viruses should be investigated to ensure that they are not spreading among humans—as spread could represent a pandemic threat—and to monitor changes in circulating viruses.

In 1988, an H1N1 swine flu virus was found in a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman who died 8 days after she was hospitalized for pneumonia, according to the CDC. Four days before she got sick she had visited a swine exhibit at a county fair where a flu-like illness was widespread among the pigs. Follow-up studies showed that 76% of swine exhibitors had antibodies to the swine flu virus, though no illnesses were reported. However, researchers found that one to three healthcare workers who had contact with the woman experienced mild flu symptoms with antibody evidence of swine flu exposure.

In December 2007, researchers reported that a new swine flu subtype found recently in Missouri pigs—H2N3—combined genes from avian and swine flu viruses, could cause experimentally induced infections in mice, and was transmissible in pigs and ferrets. The findings, which appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), bolstered the theory that...

pigs can serve as a mixing vessel for flu viruses and a possible source for a human pandemic strain.

The CDC said swine flu outbreaks in pigs typically occur in late fall and winter months. The agency said seasonal influenza vaccines are likely to partially protect against swine H3N2 viruses, but not the H1N1 subtype.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

National Academy of Sciences...
bolstered
the theory that...
pigs can serve
as a mixing vessel
for flu viruses
and a possible source
for a human pandemic strain.

[Geolibertarian]

If my hunch is correct, this is the first of multiple "trial runs" that will be executed for the purpose of "normalizing" both flu outbreaks themselves and the government's Soviet-style response to them, that way the masses will (in accordance with their Pavlovian conditioning) respond with a collective yawn when the "big one" is released.

[Dig]

GOVERNATOR READY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL FASCISM
California health officials ramp up testing for swine flu
http://www.sacbee.com/273/story/1810480.html
By Stephen Magagnini  smagagnini@sacbee.com Published: Sunday, Apr. 26, 2009 - 12:00 am

To contain an outbreak of swine flu that has stricken seven Southern Californians, top state health officials Saturday announced widespread testing for the potentially deadly virus. "We want all our medical providers to be aware," said Dr. Bonnie Sorensen, chief deputy director for the California Public Health Department. "Because of the concern in Mexico, we've ramped up testing," Sorensen told The Bee. "We've asked all emergency rooms, hospitals and private doctors to test any patients who come in with flu symptoms and to send samples to public health labs to see if there's more swine flu out there."  Californians who don't have flu symptoms or know anyone who does have nothing to worry about right now, Sorensen said. While Sorensen expects more cases to be detected in California as testing kicks into high gear, "looking at what's going on in Mexico," she said, "the cases detected in the U.S. have been relatively mild."

She provided this advice:
• If you're not sick or around anyone who's contagious, "you're in good shape."
• Avoid people who are sick and wash your hands frequently.
• If you're sick, stay home from work or school and get tested, she said.

"Folks who have what they think is a mild case of the flu and don't get tested (could be) spreading it," she said. "We don't really know how widespread it is." According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the symptoms of swine flu are expected to be similar to those of regular human flu, including fever, lethargy and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported vomiting and diarrhea. The good news, Sorensen said, is that if you test positive, two anti-viral drugs on the market – Tamiflu and Relenza – "can lessen the symptoms and spread." California's large number of uninsured people "need to go to whomever your normal doctor is," Sorensen said. The state and nation is far better prepared to perform tests and prevent illness this year "than we were 20 years ago," said Sorensen, who's been fighting potential epidemics for two decades. She said California's preparations for the avian flu scare in 2006 have helped the state respond quickly to the current crisis. Since March 28, California health officials have detected four cases of swine flu in San Diego County and three in Imperial County. None of the cases involved immigrants from Mexico or anyone who has recently visited Mexico, Sorensen said. "The seven cases are just folks living in California."

The most recent case, a 35-year-old woman in Imperial County, "is more moderately ill than previous cases," Sorensen said. "She was ill earlier this month and was in the intensive care unit for a day." California's cases have hit people whose ages ranged from 7 to 54 – neither the very old or the very young, who are usually most susceptible to flu. She said the California and Mexican cases seem to be very similar strains of swine flu, though it's a totally different strain of swine flu than that detected at Fort Dix, N.J., in 1976, Sorensen said. Swine flu is a virus "that someone in the world caught from a pig and it mutated such that it could move from human to human," Sorensen said. California health officials are in constant contact with the CDC. "It's very early," she said. "The CDC called it a marathon, not a sprint. We're going to learn more and more about this over the next couple of weeks."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has called for expanded public health lab testing of potential flu specimens, enhanced animal disease surveillance and a joint emergency operations center coordinated by the Department of Public Health and the California Emergency Management Agency.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell has directed California school officials to download a free "Keep Our Schools Healthy" tool kit in multiple languages to help prevent the potential spread of swine flu.

[Dig]

President Ford's Speech in 1976 (this is with one death at a military base):
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=5752


I HAVE just concluded a meeting on a subject of vast importance to all Americans, and let me report to you the results of that meeting.

One month ago, a strain of influenza sometimes known as swine flu was discovered and isolated among Army recruits at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The appearance of this strain has caused concern within the medical community, because this virus is very similar to one that caused a widespread and very deadly flu epidemic late in the First World War. Some older Americans today will remember that 548,000 people died in this country during that tragic period.

During the last few days, I have consulted with members of my administration, Secretary Mathews and Dr. Cooper, and leading members of the health community and public officials about the implications of this new appearance of swine flu. I have been advised that there is a very real possibility that unless we take effective counteractions, there could be an epidemic of this dangerous disease next fall and winter here in the United States.

Let me state clearly at this time, no one knows exactly how serious this threat could be. Nevertheless, we cannot afford to take a chance with the health of our Nation. Accordingly, I am today announcing the following actions.

First, I am asking the Congress to appropriate $135 million, prior to their April recess, for the production of sufficient vaccine to inoculate every man, woman, and child in the United States. <p>Secondly, I am directing the Secretary of HEW David Mathews, and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Cooper, to develop plans that would make this vaccine available to all Americans during the 3-month period from September to November of this year.

Finally, I am asking each and every American to make certain he or she receives an inoculation this fall. Inoculations are to be available at schools, hospitals, physicians' offices, and public health facilities.

The reaction to the shot, I am told, may mean a few sore arms for a day or two--a very small price to pay for this vital protection.

The facts that have been presented to me in the last few days have come from many of the best medical minds in this country. These facts do not suggest there is any cause for alarm. The scientific community essentially understands what we are dealing with, and they have developed a vaccine that will be effective in combatting it.

The facts do suggest, however, that there is a need for action now--action by the Government, action by industry and the medical community, and most importantly, action by all of our citizens. We are taking the first steps this afternoon, and before next winter I hope we will have put this threat behind us.

I would like to thank the very outstanding group of technicians who came in and met with me for an hour or so this afternoon--Dr. Salk, Dr. Sabin, and others here who have convinced me beyond any doubt whatsoever, that this is the right course of action. And tomorrow, I will submit to the Congress a message and a budget supplement, so that this money will be available, and available as promptly as possible.

We discussed how the supplemental should be handled, whether it should be a part of the supplemental that is now going through the Congress or a separate supplemental that would be identified only for this purpose and passed by both the House and the Senate for this purpose and this purpose alone. It is my recommendation that the Congress take this item for $135 million, act promptly on it, and not tie it up with a broader supplemental appropriation bill.

And now, it is my pleasure to ask Dr. Mathews, Secretary of HEW, and Dr. Cooper and the other distinguished scientists who are here who can answer your technical questions.

Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 4:50 p.m. to reporters assembled in the Briefing Room at the White House. Following the President's remarks, a news briefing on the subject was held by David Mathews, Secretary, Dr. Theodore Cooper, Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. David J. Sencer, Director, Center for Disease Control, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Albert B. Sabin, pioneers in the development of the polio vaccine.

[Irobot]

Alex Jones Emergency Broadcast April 25 2009

http://snardfarker.ning.com/video/alex-jones-emergency-broadcast

[bushido_aria]

If my hunch is correct, this is the first of multiple "trial runs" that will be executed for the purpose of "normalizing" both flu outbreaks themselves and the government's Soviet-style response to them, that way the masses will (in accordance with their Pavlovian conditioning) respond with a collective yawn when the "big one" is released.

Bingo. The "Big One" will wipe out millions in days. This is to frighten the Fox News watching, American Idol obsessed masses that will listen to the new big pharma ads for the newest vaccine on the boob tube. I'm more concerned for the July drills than I am for this, but then again, it's not happening in my backyard (yet). God protect those who are near to this mess. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[ramallamamama]

So how long until we see a porcine 'final solution'?

[Mike Philbin]

President Ford's Speech in 1976

One month ago, a strain of influenza sometimes known as swine flu was discovered and isolated among Army recruits at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The appearance of this strain has caused concern within the medical community, because this virus is very similar to one that caused a widespread and very deadly flu epidemic late in the First World War.

Yeah, it's like that strain BECAUSE IT WAS THE SAME STRAIN

I blog'd about this, here:

http://mikephilbin.blogspot.com/2009/04/1918-flu-pandemic-800-million-chinese.html

[deconstructmyhouse]

NOte: In the 1970's the US used swine flu against Cuban para-military groups, introducing it to the southern coast of Cuba


A brief history of Bio-chemical weapons
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irak.be%2Fned%2Farchief%2Fbiowapens_history.htm&ei=cBT0Sf2OK4zWMKLt3akP&usg=AFQjCNEc-ROM4Liiv_J7Dbg21vAnlSmGrg&sig2=RchZUhdugohhzGwdr5UHrg

 by Zoltan Grossman*

* 400s BC: Spartan Greeks use sulphur fumes against enemy soldiers.

* 1346: Crimean Tatars catapult plague-infected corpses into Italian trade settlement.

* 1500:  Spanish conquistadors use biological warfare against Native peoples.

* 1763: British General Jeffrey Amherst orders use of smallpox blankets against Native peoples during Pontiac’s Rebellion.

* 1800: Small Pox and other diseases ravage Native American communities; US officials use quarantine techniques to isolate diseases in white communities but not in Native villages.

* 1907: Hague Convention outlaws chemical weapons; US does not participate.

* 1914-18: Poison gas causes 100,000 deaths and 900,000 injuries during World War I.

* 1920s: Britain proposes use of chemical weapons in Iraq “as an experiment” against Kurdish rebels seeking independence; Winston Churchill “strongly” backs “the use of poisoned gas against uncivilised tribes”.

* 1928: Geneva Protocol prohibits gas and bacteriological warfare: most ratifying countries prohibit only the first use of such weapons.

* 1935: Italy begins conquest of Ethiopia using mustard gas.

* 1936: Japan invades China, uses chemical weapons in war.

* 1939-45: During World War II: A US ship damaged by German bombing raid on Bari, Italy, leaks mustard gas, killing 1000. Germany uses Zyklon-B in extermination of civilians. Japanese military conducts biological warfare experiments on POWs, killing 3000. US shields Nazi military officers from war crimes trials in return for data. Soviets take over German nerve gas facility in Potsdam, discovering the Nazis had stockpiles of nerve gas, and had also been working on blood agents.

* 1947: US possesses germ warfare weapons; President Truman withdraws Geneva Protocol from Senate consideration.

* 1949: Soviet Union tries Japanese military officers for germ warfare, dismissed by US as “propaganda”. US army begins secret tests of biological agents in US cities.

* 1950: Korean War begins; North Korea and China accuse US of germ warfare. A disease outbreak in San Francisco matches bacteria used by army.

* 1951: African-Americans exposed to potentially fatal stimulant in Virginia test of race specific fungal weapons.

* 1956: Army manual explicitly states that bio-chemical warfare is not banned. Gerald Ford wins US policy change to give US military “first strike” authority on chemical arms.

* 1959: US Congress resolution against first use of bio- chemical weapons is defeated.

* 1961: Kennedy administration begins funding hike for chemical weapons from $75 million to more than $330 million.

* 1962: Chemical weapons loaded on US planes during Cuban missile crisis.

* 1966: Army germ warfare experiment in New York subway system.

* 1968: Pentagon asks to use some of its arsenal against protesters to demonstrate the “efficacy” of the chemicals.

   
* 1969: Utah chemical weapons accident kills thousands of sheep; President Nixon declares US moratorium on chemical weapons production and biological weapons possession. UN General Assembly bans use of herbicides (plant killers) and tear gasses in warfare: US one of three opposing votes. Fatalities when US uses tear gas against Vietnamese in guerrilla tunnels.

* 1971: US ends direct use of herbicides such as Agent Orange, which had spread over Indochinese forests and destroyed at least six per cent of South Vietnamese cropland. US military forces give swine-flu virus to anti-Castro paramilitary group, which lands it on Cuba’s Southern Coast (according to 1977 reports).

* 1972: Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention. Cuba accuses CIA of instilling swine fever virus that leads to death of 500,000 hogs.

* 1974: US finally ratifies 1928 Geneva Protocol.

* 1975: Indonesia annexes East Timor; planes spread herbicides on croplands.

* 1975: Washington Post reports on US program against Cuban agriculture since 1962, including CIA biological warfare component. Anthrax outbreak among Africans in white-ruled Rhodesia results in 10,000 cases, 182 of them fatal (see “Covert Action Quarterly #43”).

* 1980: US intelligence officials allege Soviet chemical use in Afghanistan, while admitting “no confirmation”. Congress approves nerve gas facility at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Iraq begins eight-year war with Iran.

* 1981: Vietnam accuses the US and allies of using Mycotoxins (fungal poisons) in Laos and Cambodia. Israel bombs Iraqi nuclear reactor, leading to Iraqi decision to build chemical weapons.

* 1984: UN confirms that Iraq is using mustard and nerve gases against Iranian “human wave” attacks in border war; US State Department issues mild condemnation, yet restores diplomatic relations with Iraq, and opposes UN action against Iraq. Bhopal fertiliser plant accident in India kills 2000, showing risks of chemical plants being damaged in warfare. President Reagan orders over a half-million M55 rockets retooled to contain high yield explosives as well as VX gas.

* 1985: US firms begin supplying Iraq with numerous biological agents for a four-year period.

* 1986: US resumes open-air testing of biological agents.

* 1987: Three tied Senate votes on question of resuming production of chemical weapons; Vice President Bush break ties in favour of resumption.

* 1988: Iraq uses chemical weapons against Kurdish minority in Halabja; President Reagan blocks congressional sanctions against Iraq.

* 1989: Paris conference of 149 nations condemns chemical weapons, urges quick ban to emerge from Geneva treaty negotiations; US planned to produce poison gas even after treaty signed.

* 1990: US, Soviets pledge to reduce chemical weapons when all nations have signed future Geneva treaty. Israel admits possession of chemical weapons; Iraq threatens to use chemical weapons on Israel if it is attacked.

* 1991: US and coalition forces bomb at least 28 alleged bio-chemical production or storage sights in Iraq during Gulf War, including fertiliser and other civilian plants. CNN   reports “green flames” from one chemical plant and the deaths of 50 Iraqi troops from anthrax after air strike on another site. Czechoslovak chemical warfare unit detects Sarin nerve gas during air war. Egyptian doctor reports outbreak of a “strange disease” inside Iraq. US troops use explosives to destroy Iraqi chemical weapons storage bunkers after the war.

* 1992: Reports intensify of US and coalition veterans developing health problems, symptoms collectively called “Gulf War Syndrome”. Two members of anti-government Minnesota Patriots’ Council arrested for planning to use ricin chemical against law enforcement officer.

* 1993: President Clinton continues intermittent bombing and missile raids against Iraqi facilities; UN inspectors step up program to dismantle Iraqi weapons. US signs UN chemical weapons convention, but approval later blocked in Senate.

* 1995: Japanese cult releases deadly Sarin nerve gas in attack on Tokyo subway system.

* 1996: Congressional hearings on Gulf War Syndrome focuses on Iraqi storage bunker destruction, no other possible causes, and does not call for international investigation for symptoms among Iraqis.

* 1997: Cuba accuses US of spraying crops with biological agents. Iraq expels US citizens in UN inspection teams, which are allowed to continue without Americans, but the UN chooses to evacuate all inspectors. US mobilises for military action. Senate implements Chemical Weapons Convention, with a provision that the “President may deny a request to inspect any facility” on national security grounds.

* 1998: US again bombs alleged Iraqi bio-chemical weapons sites, after Iraq questions role of UN inspector, and restricts inspector access to presidential properties and security. US launches missile attack on pharmaceutical plant in Sudan that allegedly produces nerve gas agents - a claim disputed by most of the international community.

* 1998-99: Series of Anthrax hoaxes against targets such as NBC, “Washington Post”, State Department, White House complex, post offices. Former Aryan Nations member Larry Wayne Harris carries out anthrax hoax to dramatise warning of alleged “Iraqi threat”. Three members of Republic of Texas militia group arrested for intention to use anthrax and other biological agents against public officials. Upsurge in anthrax hoaxes against abortion clinics.

* 2000: “Top off exercise” involving federal and state authorities fails to cope with simulated chemical, biological and nuclear attacks in three widely separated metropolitan areas.

* 2001: US withdraws from first round of Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention (BTWC), crippling efforts to establish global measures against biological weapons. Anthrax spores mailed to political and media targets around the US result in exposures, infections, and deaths. Enormous increase in anthrax hoaxes by “Army of God” and other groups and individuals.

 * Compiled from articles in Z magazine by Stephen Shalom and Noam
   Chomsky (February 1991) and Zoltan Grossman (March 1991), from the
   Council for the Liveable World, William Blum’s “”Killing hope: US
   Military and CIA interventions since World War II””, ADL Militia
   Watchdog by Mark Pitcavage (Feb 1999) and from recent news reports.
   Grossman is a cartographer/geographer and writer on ethnic relations
   and geopolitics, based in Madison, Wisconsin.

 Acknowledgements “People’s Voice”, Canada’s communist paper.

[deconstructmyhouse]

History
Swine Influenza A Outbreak, Fort Dix, New Jersey, 1976

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no01/05-0965.htm

Joel C. Gaydos,*Comments Franklin H. Top, Jr,† Richard A. Hodder,‡ and Philip K. Russell§1
*Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA; †MedImmune, Incorporated, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA; ‡Northeast Center for Special Care, Lake Katrine, New York, USA; and §Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute, New Canaan, Connecticut, USA

Suggested citation for this article

    In early 1976, the novel A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) influenza virus caused severe respiratory illness in 13 soldiers with 1 death at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Since A/New Jersey was similar to the 1918–1919 pandemic virus, rapid outbreak assessment and enhanced surveillance were initiated. A/New Jersey virus was detected only from January 19 to February 9 and did not spread beyond Fort Dix. A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) spread simultaneously, also caused illness, and persisted until March. Up to 230 soldiers were infected with the A/New Jersey virus. Rapid recognition of A/New Jersey, swift outbreak assessment, and enhanced surveillance resulted from excellent collaboration between Fort Dix, New Jersey Department of Health, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and Center for Disease Control personnel. Despite efforts to define the events at Fort Dix, many questions remain unanswered, including the following: Where did A/New Jersey come from? Why did transmission stop?

Revisiting events surrounding the 1976 swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak may assist those planning for the rapid identification and characterization of threatening contemporary viruses, like avian influenza A (H5N1) (1). The severity of the 1918 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and evidence for a cycle of pandemics aroused concern that the 1918 disaster could recur (2,3). Following the 1918 pandemic, H1N1 strains circulated until the "Asian" influenza A (H2N2) pandemic in 1957 (3). When in early 1976, cases of influenza in soldiers, mostly recruits, at Fort Dix, New Jersey, were associated with isolation of influenza A (H1N1) serotypes (which in 1976 were labeled Hsw1N1), an intense investigation followed (4).

Of 19,000 people at Fort Dix in January 1976, ≈32% were recruits (basic trainees) (4). Recruits reported to Fort Dix for 7 weeks of initial training through the basic training reception center, where they lived and were processed into the Army during an intense 3 days of examinations, administrative procedures, and indoctrination. At the reception center, training unit cohorts were formed. Recruits were grouped into 50-member units (platoons) and organized into companies of 4 platoons each. Units formed by week's end moved from the reception center to the basic training quarters. To prevent respiratory illnesses, recruits were isolated in their company areas for 2 weeks and restricted to the military post for 4 weeks (4). Platoon members had close contact with other platoon members, less contact with other platoons in their company, and even less contact with other companies.

On arrival, recruits received the 1975–1976 influenza vaccine (A/Port Chalmers/1/73 [H3N2], A/Scotland/840/74 [H3N2], and B/Hong Kong/15/72) (4). Other soldiers reported directly to advanced training programs of 4 to 12 weeks at Fort Dix immediately after basic training at Fort Dix or elsewhere. These soldiers received influenza vaccinations in basic training. Civilian employees and soldiers' families were offered vaccine, but only an estimated <40% accepted (4).

Training stopped over the Christmas–New Year's holidays and resumed on January 5, 1976, with an influx of new trainees. The weather was cold (wind chill factors of 0° to –43°F), and the reception center was crowded (4). Resumption of training was associated with an explosive febrile respiratory disease outbreak involving new arrivals and others. Throat swabs were collected from a sample of hospitalized soldiers with this syndrome. On January 23, the Fort Dix preventive medicine physician learned of 2 isolations of adenovirus type 21 and suspected an adenovirus outbreak (4). He notified the county health department and the New Jersey (NJ) Department of Health of the outbreak (4). On January 28, an NJ Department of Health official consulted with the military physician and suggested that the explosive, widespread outbreak could be influenza (4). Over the next 2 days, 19 specimens were delivered to the state laboratory and 7 A/Victoria-like viruses and 3 unknown hemagglutinating agents were identified (4). Specimens were flown to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, on February 6, where a fourth unknown agent was found (4).

On February 2, Fort Dix and NJ Department of Health personnel arranged for virologic studies of deaths possibly caused by influenza (4). Tracheal swabs taken on February 5 from a recruit who died on February 4 yielded a fifth unknown agent on February 9. By February 10, laboratory evidence had confirmed that a novel influenza strain was circulating at Fort Dix and that 2 different influenza strains were causing disease. By February 13, all 5 unknown strains were identified as swine influenza A (Hsw1N1). The possibility of laboratory contamination was evaluated (4). No known swine influenza A strains were present in the NJ Department of Health Virus Laboratory before the Fort Dix outbreak. Additionally, all unknown Fort Dix viruses were independently isolated from original specimens at CDC and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Washington, DC. Also, 2 patients with novel virus isolates had convalescent-phase, homologous, hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) antibody titers of 1:40–1:80, consistent with recent infections. The new influenza strain had been independently identified in 3 different laboratories and supporting serologic evidence developed within 15 days after the original specimens were collected (Table) (4).
Swine Influenza A Viruses

The swine influenza A (Hsw1N1) viruses from Fort Dix soldiers were studied at CDC (5,6). The novel virus was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1). Initially, HAI serologic studies of Fort Dix populations were performed at WRAIR by using inactivated A/Mayo Clinic/103/74 (Hsw1N1) antigen from CDC (7). The A/Mayo Clinic virus was recovered in 1974 from lung tissue obtained at autopsy from a man with Hodgkin disease who lived on a swine farm (. Later, CDC provided WRAIR with A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) antigen (7).
Outbreak Investigation Planning

Outbreak investigation plans were developed quickly, and lines of communication and responsibilities were defined. Since a retrospective investigation required extensive serologic studies, a serology laboratory was established at WRAIR and operated 7 days a week. The HAI antibody test, which measured antibody to the hemagglutinin glycoprotein, was used to identify infections (9). Variables other than 1976 swine virus infection that might influence HAI titers were identified. Influenza A (H1N1) viruses circulated from 1918 to 1957 (3). Additionally, earlier military influenza vaccines (1955–1969) and some civilian formulations (1956–1958) contained swine antigens (10). Most basic training soldiers were in their late teens and early twenties, so few had potential exposure to military vaccines (the earlier military vaccines were available to civilian workers and soldiers' families) (10). Other populations were expected to have age-related antibody from infections or vaccines. Development of heterotypic antibody after vaccination or infection with contemporary H3N2 antigens was possible; populations suitable for assessing this were studied. None of the potential HAI test limitations was considered serious.

The NJ Department of Health continued to provide virus isolation services to the military (4). Army personnel investigated the outbreak on Fort Dix; civilian health departments defined the outbreak beyond Fort Dix. CDC provided reference laboratory support and consultation.
Case Finding at Fort Dix

Case-finding was conducted prospectively and retrospectively (Table). Prospectively, throat washings were collected from patients with febrile, acute respiratory disease who were hospitalized or sought treatment at the emergency room February 14–16 (phase I, n = 50) and February 22–24 (phase II, n = 45) (7). Attempts were made to obtain paired serum specimens from phase I patients. Specimens were obtained from 60 basic training soldiers, 13 other military personnel, and 22 civilians. A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) virus was isolated from 34 (68%) persons during phase I and 21 (47%) in phase II (7). A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) was not isolated from any of the 95 patients. One of 34 (3%) persons with an A/Victoria isolate and paired serum samples had a >4-fold rise in titer to A/Mayo Clinic (Hsw1N1) antigen, with an acute titer of <1:10 increasing to 1:20 (7).

Retrospective study was made possible by an ongoing Adenovirus Surveillance Program, which collected weekly throats swabs and paired serum specimens from a sample (≈3%–6%) of basic trainees hospitalized with respiratory disease (7). Specimens had been sent to Army regional laboratories, and 80% of the paired serum specimens from Fort Dix trainees hospitalized between November 1, 1975, and February 14, 1976, went to Fort Meade, Maryland. Serum specimens not depleted by routine studies were stored. Stored serum specimens from 74 Fort Dix trainees were identified at Fort Meade and forwarded to WRAIR; 39 (53%) of the trainees had been hospitalized after January 1, 1976. These serum samples were initially tested against A/Mayo Clinic antigen. Serum samples with >4-fold rises in titer were re-tested against A/New Jersey and A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2) antigens (7). HAI titers to A/Mayo Clinic and A/New Jersey differed only slightly.

Concerns that influenza A (H3N2) infection or vaccination might stimulate antibody to A/Mayo Clinic were addressed. Four groups were studied to identify persons with >4-fold heterotypic HAI antibody increases to A/Mayo Clinic. None were found in 39 Fort Dix soldiers who received influenza vaccine in February 1976 (group 1), and none were found among 27 hospitalized soldiers from posts other than Fort Dix who had >4-fold rises in complement fixation (CF) antibody to influenza A (group 2) (7). In the third group, >4-fold rises in antibody titers developed in 3 (8%) of 40 soldiers from Fort Dix and elsewhere who had been hospitalized with an A/Victoria isolate (7). In the fourth group, a single serum sample was studied from each of 168 randomly selected Fort Dix basic trainees who had received their annual influenza vaccination 3 to 4 weeks earlier (11). Only 4 (2%) had HAI titers >1:20 to A/Mayo Clinic (11). In similar studies by others, in 0%–6% of persons, heterotypic antibody to influenza A/swine developed after infection with A/Victoria (H3N2) or influenza vaccination (12,13).

Since heterotypic antibody to A/Mayo Clinic seldom occurred, soldiers who were hospitalized for acute respiratory disease and showed a >4-fold titer rise to influenza A (Hsw1N1) in stored serum specimens from the Adenovirus Surveillance Program were considered to have had A/New Jersey infections. Eight new cases in basic trainees were found. Three (38%) of the 8 solders also had >4-fold antibody rises to A/Victoria. Therefore, 13 male, enlisted soldiers, aged 17–21 years, were identified as having had respiratory diseases resulting in hospitalization or death and an A/New Jersey (Hsw1N1) isolate or serologic conversion to A/New Jersey (case-patients). Ten had arrived at Fort Dix between January 5 and February 3, 1976. Three arrived between September 9 and December 30, 1975. Dates of onset of illness were known for 12 and were from January 12 to February 8, 1976. Hospital admissions occurred between January 19 and February 9. Autopsy findings for the only patient who died showed severe edema, hemorrhage, and mononuclear infiltrates in the lungs, consistent with viral pneumonia. No preexisting disease or bacterial infection was found. Four (33%) of the 12 surviving patients had radiologic evidence of pneumonia but their clinical syndromes were similar to those described for patients with infections caused by other influenza A strains (7).

Twelve of the 13 patients were basic trainees; one was an office worker who had an A/New Jersey isolate (7). The 12 trainees were in 9 different training companies (7,14). One company had 3 patients, and 1 company had 2 patients. In these 2 companies, all patients came from the same platoon. Nine were interviewed. Except for those in the same unit, the patients were unknown to each other. All denied swine contact for 6 months before admission. No common variables in working or living environments were identified. All had contact with the Fort Dix medical care system, but care took place in 5 clinics and 2 wards. From January 19 to February 9, there were 7 days when none occupied a hospital bed (7,14).
Transmission and Illness in Units with Case-patients

Transmission was assessed by using HAI antibody titers to A/Mayo Clinic (Hsw1N1). Sixteen of 17 contacts of the patient not in basic training, 18–43 years of age, were studied, and 4 (25%) had titers >1:20 (14). One of the 9 training companies had a case-patient who completed basic training before the case was identified and was not studied. In another company with a case-patient, 13 soldiers were studied, and all had titers <1:10, but their platoons were not identified. Seven companies were studied by comparing the platoon with at least 1 case-patient to other platoons in the company. Some members of all 7 platoons with case-patients had titers >1:20, varying from 7% to 56% (median = 26%). In other platoons from these seven companies, the prevalence of titers >1:20 ranged from 0% to 40% (median 18%), which indicated that A/New Jersey virus transmission was not limited to 1 platoon in most companies (14).

Comparable samples of soldiers from the 7 companies with cases discussed above and 7 contemporary companies without cases were evaluated. Prevalences of HAI antibody titers to A/Mayo Clinic >1:20 in the companies with cases ranged from 0% to 45% (median 18%) (. Prevalences in the companies without cases was 0%–10% (median 4%) (14).

Available records permitted the identification of hospital admissions for acute respiratory disease in 6 of the 9 companies with an A/New Jersey case. From January 19 to February 9, 1976, when the A/New Jersey patients from these companies were admitted, admission rates for acute respiratory disease of >3.0 per 100 men per week were observed in 4 of the companies. The highest rates occurred during the week ending January 25 and ranged from 1.1 to 6.9 (median 3.4) per 100 men per week (14).
Extent of Spread and Duration of Outbreak

The weekly formation of segregated cohorts of new recruits provided an opportunity to study the extent and duration of virus transmission. A random 9% sample of soldiers beginning basic training from January 5 to March 1 were studied for HAI antibody to A/Mayo Clinic (Hsw1N1) (11). The prevalence of titers >1:20 by weekly cohort ranged from 0% to 19%. The 3 highest prevalences, 19%, 12%, and 9%, occurred in cohorts who started training on January 12, 19, and 26, respectively. Prevalences for 6 other cohorts ranged from 0% to 5%, with 0% prevalence in the cohorts that started training on January 5 and March 1 (11). Eleven of the 12 Fort Dix basic training soldiers identified as A/New Jersey case-patients also began training on January 12, 19, and 26 (11,14).

From February 21 to February 27, a total of 39 soldiers in the basic training reception center were studied for HAI antibody to A/New Jersey (Table) (11). This same group was studied 5 weeks later. All 39 had HAI antibody titers to A/Mayo Clinic <1:10 initially and at 5 weeks. The prevalence of HAI antibody titers to A/Mayo Clinic antigen was also determined in advanced training students, civilians who visited the Fort Dix Phlebotomy Clinic, installation maintenance workers, basic training instructors, military medical and veterinary personnel, and soldiers who worked in the reception center. In advanced training students and persons <25 years of age, the prevalence of titers >1:20 was 0%–6%, consistent with heterotypic responses. However, titers were higher in persons >26 years old; most had prevalences in the range of 17% to 44%, but women and men >51 years of age at the Phlebotomy Clinic had prevalences of 92% (n = 37) and 88% (n = 60), respectively (11).

The earliest A/New Jersey patient was hospitalized on January 19; the last identified patient was admitted on February 9 (Table) (7). Both were identified by serologic testing. Four of 5 patients with virus isolates were admitted on January 29 and 30. The last A/New Jersey isolate came from the soldier who died on February 4. The patient admitted on January 19 reported that his onset of illness occurred on January 12. Since no evidence was found for A/New Jersey virus at Fort Dix before January 12, the virus was likely introduced on or shortly after resumption of training on January 5. As shown by the clustering of hospital admissions, the A/New Jersey outbreak peaked during late January and tapered off in early February. The absence of any indication of the A/New Jersey virus in the cohort beginning basic training on March 1 and in the reception center group who gave blood samples from February 21 to February 27 and 5 weeks later supports the conclusion that A/New Jersey disappeared in February (Table) (11).

To understand the relationship of the A/Victoria and A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) outbreaks, serum specimens from the 9% sample of soldiers who began basic training from January 5 to March 1 were also studied for HAI antibody to A/Victoria. The geometric mean titers to A/Victoria >1:10 for cohorts beginning training on January 5 and January 12 were 1:56 and 1:53, respectively. The geometric mean titers then increased to 1:114 in the cohort that started on February 2, peaked at 1:120 in the cohort that began on February 9, remained high at 1:109 for the February 16 cohort, and then returned to baseline (11). Thus, the A/New Jersey outbreak likely started in early January and peaked in late January, followed closely by the A/Victoria outbreak.

Even though A/Mayo Clinic titers >1:20 were seen in Fort Dix populations other than basic trainees, the prevalences in young people were very low, consistent with heterotypic antibody. Higher prevalences in older persons could have been related to earlier influenza A (H1N1) infections or vaccinations with vaccines that contained swine influenza antigens (10). The high titers to A/Mayo Clinic in these groups could not be related to illness, vaccination, or swine contact (11). When the serologic data were extrapolated, the total number of A/New Jersey infections in Fort Dix basic trainees was ≈230 when contacts of all 13 case-patients were considered and ≈142 when only virologically confirmed cases were considered true cases (11,15).
Case Finding beyond Fort Dix

Influenza A/Victoria-like strains had been identified in New Jersey as early as January 21, 1976. By the end of January, the state had investigated reports of high employee and student absenteeism and a hospital outbreak. Patients in all episodes were sampled by using virus isolation and serologic testing. All laboratory reports indicated A/Victoria virus infections (4).

Starting February 10, arrangements were made to study febrile respiratory disease patients at McGuire Air Force Base (adjoining Fort Dix) and at hospitals, emergency rooms, and physicians' offices in the Fort Dix vicinity. Medical examiners were told to obtain specimens from possible influenza patients and surveillance was increased statewide. From January 9 to March 19, infection with influenza A/Victoria virus was documented in 301 persons by virus isolation (151 persons), CF or HAI serology (113 persons), or both (37 persons). Cases in New Jersey came from 19 of 21 counties, McGuire Air Force Base, and Lakehurst Naval Training Center. Delaware had 19 cases, including 5 from Dover Air Force Base. From January 31 to March 17, 10 civilian deaths in New Jersey were attributed to influenza. Influenza A/Victoria (H3N2) was isolated from all 10 patients (4).

The numbers of isolation and serologic specimens tested and the percentages positive for A/Victoria were consistent with an outbreak that began quickly in January and declined in late February to early March. No influenza cases were identified after March 19; influenza A/New Jersey was never isolated outside Fort Dix (Table) (4,7).

Among patients with serologic evidence of influenza, HAI antibody responses to both A/Victoria and A/New Jersey were studied in 134. Six (4%), aged 22 to 71 years, had >4-fold HAI rises in titer to both viruses (4). In the absence of any association with swine influenza A virus, the A/New Jersey titers were attributed to A/Victoria infections.
Summary and Speculation

A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) was likely introduced into Fort Dix early in 1976, after the holidays (15). The virus caused disease with radiologic evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy (7,15). The virus was transmitted to close contacts in the unique basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. A/New Jersey probably circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown (15).

The Fort Dix outbreak may have been a zoonotic anomaly caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed population in close contact in crowded facilities during a cold winter. However, the impact of A/New Jersey virus on this healthy young population was severe in terms of estimated infections, hospitalizations, and duration of the outbreak.

If the outbreak was more than an anomaly, why did it not extend beyond basic trainees? Several factors merit consideration. Contact between basic trainees and others was limited. Moreover, a swine influenza antigen was included in annual military influenza vaccine formulations from 1955 through 1969 (10). The high antibody titers to A/Mayo Clinic antigen observed with increasing age in the Phlebotomy Clinic population may reflect earlier influenza A (H1N1) infections or vaccine exposure and some protection (11). Also, competition between A/New Jersey and A/Victoria viruses must be considered. The A/Victoria virus spread widely and may have limited the impact of A/New Jersey virus with its lesser ability for human transmission.

Could the Fort Dix outbreak have resulted from interaction between swine influenza A and A/Victoria viruses? A/Victoria transmission occurred in New Jersey before A/New Jersey was identified at Fort Dix. Is it possible that A/Victoria virus and an early A/New Jersey virus coinfected a soldier with genetic exchange, resulting in a recombinant virus with enhanced human transmission capability? The rapid disappearance of A/New Jersey prohibited studies of virus interactions. Genetic analyses of A/New Jersey, A/Victoria and contemporary A/swine viruses might elucidate a relationship.

Communication and collaboration existed at the onset of the outbreak and continued throughout the investigation. The points of contact at the NJ Department of Health, Fort Dix, CDC, and WRAIR had been established before the outbreak, so time was not lost identifying organizations and persons who needed to be contacted. Organizational roles were defined early and respected. The development of outbreak investigation plans, collaboration in field and laboratory work, and exchange of information occurred smoothly. An important part of the Army investigation was establishment of points of contact at WRAIR who communicated with military leaders, the NJ Department of Health, CDC, and the press. Military epidemiology and laboratory teams reported to WRAIR points of contact. This system protected these teams from disruptive inquiries.

The burden on the laboratories supporting this investigation was intense, lasting for weeks. In 1976, WRAIR was a research and field epidemiology laboratory that also operated as a public health reference laboratory. The WRAIR commander had the authority to reallocate and mobilize scientists and laboratory resources. Today, WRAIR no longer functions as a public health laboratory. The depth of resources and flexibility that existed at WRAIR in 1976 cannot be found in other military laboratories (16). Duplicating the 1976 laboratory effort today, in timely fashion, would be difficult.
Acknowledgments

    The investigation of the Fort Dix swine influenza A outbreak in 1976 was made possible by the competence, professionalism, and hard work of many persons from the New Jersey Department of Health; Fort Dix, NJ, US Army Medical Department Activity; WRAIR; CDC; and others. We acknowledge all of them, wherever they may be, with gratitude for their outstanding contributions.

    Dr Gaydos is director, Public Health Practices, for the US Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System. His research interests include acute respiratory diseases in previously healthy persons and sexually transmitted infections.

References

   1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update: influenza activity—United States and worldwide, 2004–05 season. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2005;54:631–4.
   2. Crosby AW. Epidemic and peace, 1918. Westport (CT): Greenwood Press; 1976.
   3. Cox NJ, Fukuda K. Influenza. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1998;12:27–38.
   4. Goldfield M, Bartley JD, Pizzuti W, Black HC, Altman R, Halperin WE. Influenza in New Jersey in 1976: isolations of influenza A/New Jersey/76 virus at Fort Dix. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S347–55.
   5. Kendal AP, Goldfield M, Noble GR, Dowdle WR. Identification and preliminary antigenic analysis of swine influenza-like viruses isolated during an influenza outbreak at Fort Dix, New Jersey. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S381–5.
   6. Kendal AP, Noble GR, Dowdle WR. Swine influenza viruses isolated in 1976 from man and pig contain two coexisting subpopulations with antigenically distinguishable hemagglutinins. Virology. 1977;82:111–21.
   7. Gaydos JC, Hodder RA, Top FH, Jr., Soden VJ, Allen RG, Bartley JD, et al. Swine influenza A at Fort Dix, New Jersey (January–February 1976). I. Case finding and clinical study of cases. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S356–62.
   8. Smith TF, Burgert EO Jr, Dowdle WR, Noble GR, Campbell RJ, Van Scoy RE. Isolation of swine influenza virus from autopsy lung tissue of man. N Engl J Med. 1976;294:708–10.
   9. Treanor JJ, King JC, Zangwill KM. New approaches to influenza vaccine in new generation vaccines. 3rd ed. New York: Marcel Dekker; 2004:537–58.
  10. Takafuji ET, Johnson DE, Segal HE. The swine antigen in previous influenza vaccines. N Engl J Med. 1976;295:1018.
  11. Hodder RA, Gaydos JC, Allen RG, Top FH Jr, Nowosiwsky T, Russell PK. Swine influenza A at Fort Dix, New Jersey (January–February 1976). III. Extent of spread and duration of the outbreak. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S369–75.
  12. Masurel N. Swine influenza virus and the recycling of influenza-A viruses in man. Lancet. 1976;2:244–7.
  13. Noble GR, Kaye HS, Kendal AP, Dowdle WR. Age-related heterologous antibody responses to influenza virus vaccination. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S686–92.
  14. Gaydos JC, Hodder RA, Top FH Jr, Allen RG, Soden VJ, Nowosiwsky T, et al. Swine influenza A at Fort Dix, New Jersey (January–February 1976). II. Transmission and morbidity in units with cases. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S363–8.
  15. Top FH Jr, Russell PK. Swine influenza A at Fort Dix, New Jersey (January–February 1976). IV. Summary and speculation. J Infect Dis. 1977;136:S376–80.
  16. Gaydos JC. The need for a military public health laboratory symposium. Mil Med. 2000;165:5–7.

 

Table. Key events in the swine influenza A (Hsw1N1) outbreak, Fort Dix, NJ

Date (1976)
   

Event

January 5
   

After the holidays, basic training resumed at Fort Dix, NJ; a sudden, dramatic outbreak of acute respiratory disease followed the influx of new recruit trainees (4).

January 19
   

Earliest hospitalization of a Fort Dix soldier with acute respiratory disease attributed to swine influenza A (Hsw1N1) (identified retrospectively by serologic tests) (7,14)

January 21
   

Influenza A/Victoria (H3N2) identified away from Fort Dix in NJ civilians (4)

January 23
   

Fort Dix received reports of adenovirus type 21 isolations from soldiers ill with respiratory disease and reported the outbreak to the local and state health departments (4)

January 28
   

A NJ Department of Health official suggested the Fort Dix outbreak may be due to influenza and offered to process specimens for virus isolation (4)

January 29–30
   

19 specimens sent to NJ Department of Health in 2 shipments (4)

February 2–3
   

NJ Department of Health identified 4 isolates of H3N2-like viruses and 2 unknown hemagglutinating agents in 8 specimens sent on January 29. Fort Dix and NJ Department of Health arranged for the study of deaths possibly due to influenza. NJ Department of Health identified 3 H3N2-like viruses and a third unknown hemagglutinating agent in 11 specimens sent on January 30 (4).

February 4
   

Fort Dix soldier died with acute respiratory disease (4).

February 5
   

Tracheal specimens from the soldier who died on February 4 were sent to NJ Department of Health (4).

February 6
   

NJ Department of Health sent the Fort Dix specimens to Center for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta, GA; CDC identified a fourth unknown hemagglutinating agent in the Fort Dix specimens (4).

February 9
   

Specimens from the soldier who died on February 4 yielded a fifth unknown hemagglutinating agent (4). Last hospitalization of an identified Fort Dix soldier with febrile, acute respiratory disease attributed to swine influenza A (Hsw1N1) (identified retrospectively by serologic tests) (7,14).

February 10
   

Laboratory evidence supported 2 influenza type A strains circulating on Fort Dix; 1 was a radically new strain. Prospective surveillance for cases in the areas around Fort Dix was initiated; only cases of H3N2 were found (4).

February 13
   

Review of laboratory data and information found that all 5 unknown agents were swine influenza A strains (later named A/New Jersey [Hsw1N1]); 3 laboratories independently identified the swine virus from original specimens (serologic data supporting swine influenza A virus infection was later obtained from 2 survivors with A/New Jersey isolates) (4).

February 14–16
   

Initial planning meeting between CDC, NJ Department of Health, Fort Dix, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research personnel was held in Atlanta, GA. Prospective case finding was initiated at Fort Dix; H3N2 was isolated; Hsw1N1 was not isolated (7). Retrospective case finding was initiated by serologic study of stored serum specimens from Fort Dix soldiers who had been hospitalized for acute respiratory disease; 8 new cases of disease due to Hsw1N1 were identified with hospitalization dates between January 19 and February 9 (7,14).

February 22–24
   

Prospective case finding was again conducted at Fort Dix; H3N2 virus was isolated but not Hsw1N1 (7).

February 27
   

Thirty-nine new recruits entering Fort Dix February 21–27 gave blood samples after arrival and 5 weeks later; serologic studies were consistent with influenza immunization but not spread of H3N2 virus. None had a titer rise to Hsw1N1 (11).

March 19
   

Prospective surveillance identified the last case of influenza in the areas around Fort Dix; only H3N2 viruses were identified outside of Fort Dix (4).

1In 1976 all authors were US Army officers assigned to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC.

 

Suggested citation for this article:
Gaydos JC, Top FH, Hodder RA, Russell PK. Swine influenza A outbreak, Fort Dix, New Jersey, 1976. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2006 Jan [date cited]. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no01/05-0965.htm

[Brocke]

AUSTRALIA

NZ school group quarantined on flu fears

Group from New Zealand's Rangitoto College in Auckland in quarantine over swine flu fears after Mexico trip

April 26, 2009
Article from:  Agence France-Presse

A NEW Zealand school group has been quarantined after returning from Mexico with flu-like symptoms, health authorities said today.

Three teachers and 22 senior students from Rangitoto College in Auckland, returned to New Zealand yesterday after a three-week trip to Mexico.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service said some had symptoms of an influenza-like illness and were being kept in isolation.

"As a precaution in view of the international situation, preliminary tests are under way to determine the cause of the illness and to exclude or confirm swine influenza,'' the health service statement said.

A new, multi-strain swine flu has flared in Mexico, and is feared to have killed more than 80 people, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) warning of "pandemic potential.''

Radio New Zealand quoted health authorities as saying 13 students and one teacher from the group were unwell, one student was in hospital and the others in home isolation.

The New Zealand foreign ministry has issued a travel health notice for swine flu in Mexico, California and Texas, and said anyone who has recently travelled to these areas and developed flu-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

A New Zealand-based animal diseases consultant, Professor Roger Morris, said the country had stockpiles of the medication Tamiflu, which he said appeared to work against the current strain of influenza.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25388522-12377,00.html



Australian health officials meet on deadly swine flu

April 26, 2009
Article from:  Australian Associated Press

AUSTRALIA'S health protection officials are in talks about how to guard the nation from the pig flu outbreak in Mexico and the US.

A new flu feared to have killed up to 81 people in Mexico has "pandemic potential'', the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned today, as concerns grow of the virus spreading in the US and worldwide.

Australia health officials, including chief medical officer Jim Bishop, are holding talks today.

The Department of Health and Ageing is liaising with the WHO, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts, a spokeswoman for the department says.

"Australia has good communicable disease surveillance and control systems in place to detect and respond to outbreaks of illness,'' she said.

"Anyone that has returned from Mexico with influenza-like symptoms since March this year should seek advice from their general practitioner or public health unit.''

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25388323-12377,00.html

[Dig]

NOte: In the 1970's the US used swine flu against Cuban para-military groups, introducing it to the southern coast of Cuba

NICE CATCH!

Please post a new thread.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anti Castro Faction of the CIA
[Ones Who Killed Kennedy]
Has Had the Swine Flu Virus For 38 Years
Used it on Cuban Paramilitary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1971 Mystery Solved
CIA Link to Cuban Pig Virus Reported
http://www.maebrussell.com/Health/CIA%20Pig%20Virus.html
San Francisco Chronicle January 10, 1977

New York

    With at least the tacit backing of U.S. Central Intelligence Agency officials, operatives linked to anti-Castro terrorists introduced African swine fever virus into Cuba in 1971.

    Six weeks later an outbreak of the disease forced the slaughter of 500,000 pigs to prevent a nationwide animal epidemic.

    A U.S. intelligence source told Newsday last week he was given the virus in a sealed, unmarked container at a U.S. Army base and CIA training ground in the Panama Canal Zone, with instructions to turn it over to the anti-Castro group.

    The 1971 outbreak, the first and only time the disease has hit the Western Hemisphere, was labeled the "most alarming event" of 1971 by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.

African swine fever is a highly contagious and usually lethal viral disease that infects only pigs and, unlike swine flu, cannot be transmitted to humans.

    All production of pork, a Cuban staple, halted, apparently for several months.

    A CIA spokesman, Dennis Berend, in response to a Newsday request for comment, said, "We don't comment on information from unnamed and, at best, obscure sources."

    Why the virus turned up in Cuba has been a mystery to animal investigators ever since the outbreak. Informed speculation assumed that the virus entered Cuba either in garbage from a commercial airliner or in sausages brought in by merchant seamen.

    However, on the basis of numerous interviews over four months with U.S. intelligence sources, Cuban exiles and scientists concerning the outbreak — which occurred two years after then-President Nixon had banned the use of offensive chemical and biological warfare — Newsday was able to piece together this account of events leading up to the outbreak.

    The U.S. intelligence source said that early in 1971 he was given the virus in a sealed, unmarked container at Ft. Gulick, an Army base in the Panama Canal Zone. The CIA also operates a paramilitary training center for career personnel and mercenaries at Ft. Gulick.

    The source said he was given instructions to turn the container with the virus over to members of an anti-Castro group.

    The container then was given to a person in the Canal Zone, who took it by boat and turned it over to persons aboard a fishing trawler off the Panamanian coast. The source said the substance was not identified to him until months after the outbreak in Cuba. He would not elaborate further.

    Another man involved in the operation, a Cuban exile who asked not to be identified, said he was on the trawler when the virus was put aboard at a rendezvous point off Bocas del Toro, Panama. He said the trawler carried the virus to Navassa Island, a tiny, deserted, U.S.-owned island between Jamaica and Haiti. From there, after the trawler made a brief stopover, the container was taken to Cuba and given to other operatives on the southern coast near the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay in late March, according to the source on the trawler. The base is 100 miles due north of Navassa.

    The source on the trawler, who had been trained by the CIA and had carried out previous missions for the agency, said he saw no CIA officials aboard the boat that delivered the virus to the trawler off Panama, but added: "We were well paid for this and Cuban exile groups don't have that kind of money . . ."

    He said he was revealing the information because he is a member of an exile group being investigated by the United States in connection with terrorist activity in Florida. His account was confirmed by another intelligence source in Miami. The source said he had no proof that the operation was approved by CIA officials in Washington, but added: "In a case like this, though, they would always give them (CIA officials in Washington) plausible deniability."

    The investigation referred to by the operative on the trawler involves a federal inquiry into terrorist acts allegedly carried out by Cuban exiles. Those include bombings and assassination attempts in the United States and Venezuela. Trained originally by the CIA for operations against Cuba, the exiles have become more restive as they view what they believe to be an increasing move toward rapprochement between Fidel Castro and the United States.

Newsday

[Danis]

Alex Jones Emergency Broadcast April 25 2009

http://snardfarker.ning.com/video/alex-jones-emergency-broadcast

Cheers for the link. 

[ramallamamama]

Alex Jones Emergency Broadcast April 25 2009

http://snardfarker.ning.com/video/alex-jones-emergency-broadcast

What is the lego symbol plugin I need for firefox?

[Dig]

Shitload of information on CIA/Cuba and other covert projects: 30 Seconds Over Cuba: http://www.transbay.net/~nessie/Pages/30.seconds.html

[Dig]

http://moderate.wordpress.com/2007/02/27/gallup-poll-years-of-propaganda-works-like-a-charm/?referer=sphere_related_content/
How many Americans know Cuba, in a $181.1 billion lawsuit filed in 1999 against the United States on behalf of the Cuban people, alleged that for over 40 years, “terrorism has been permanently used by the U.S. as an instrument of its foreign policy against Cuba,” and it “became more systematic as a result of the covert action program.” Does the average American know the United States engaged in biological warfare against Cuba, using a virulent strains of dengue fever, swine flu, and other biological agents against people, livestock, and agriculture?