| The world has gone to the pigs. |
| Written by Christopher Mills |
| Tuesday, 05 May 2009 09:02 |
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Unless you have been living under a rock for the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed a considerable amount of media hysteria over something called 'Swine Flu'. This current outbreak began in Mexico, possibly as early as April the 2nd . Initial reports estimated the death toll in Mexico from the disease to be over one hundred, a number that was later confirmed to be false. The current amount of reported cases worldwide is 923, with 20 confirmed deaths. Although the media excitement has subsided since the outbreak, organisations such as the WHO (World Health Organisation) are still maintaining a sense of caution; their chief piece of advice is to “wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis”. New Zealanders, apparently are not immune to the effects of the media blitzkrieg. Pharmacists have reported that there has been a rush for face masks and influenza medication Tamiflu since the outbreak was reported on television. Tamiflu is available without a prescription to those exhibiting flu-like symptoms, a five day course will cost approximately $70. There are now many face masks and sanitising products available for purchase on a rather well known New Zealand auction site. Disease is big business. The term 'Swine Flu' has also had a negative backlash on the pig farming industry, with many people concerned that contact with the animal/eating the animal could infect them. The most extreme example of this is Egypt, where it was ordered that all of the country's 300,000 pigs be slaughtered, despite not a single reported case of the disease. This is not the first time a disease has sparked a media frenzy. In 2005, it was the looming threat of 'Avian Influenza' or H5N1 epidemic in Southeast Asia that was sure to make its way to New Zealand and infect us all. There were recommendations for everyone to be prepared with doses of Tamiflu. Before the 'bird flu' there was the dreaded SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome that originated in China in 2002. If you do not believe a word of this hogwash, you are not alone. The internet is now awash with conspiracy theories relating to the outbreak and origins of the 'Swine Flu'. Some are blaming the U.S. Government, and its supposed desire to tighten the border between it and Mexico, others are suggesting that the disease itself was made in a laboratory, and is a means to eventually institute martial law over the globe. Although your opinions of the outbreak may be a little less sensational, it still shows that not everyone is so easily manipulated by the media.The 'Swine Flu' fan page on social networking site Facebook, currently boasts over 50,000 fans. However, if you are still concerned about your well-being, there has been a diagnosis website set up at: http://www.doihavepigflu.com |
