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It was reported that the World Health Organization raised the pandemic threat level to its second-highest point April 29, which means the swine flu is spreading at a dangerously high rate.
But should we be up in arms and scared for our lives? The answer is no, but the public is hungry for more information, and the media is attempting to feed the public.
The university is doing its share by creating a health advisory Web site, which updates visitors on the latest happenings occurring on campus. The site was launched after UTEP President Diana Natalicio assigned co-head chairs to head a special task force to monitor the swine flu situation.
Yes, it is vital that this information be shared and ways to prevent future outbreaks from occurring be passed onto the public, but could the flow of information be too much?
Currently that is up for debate, but there is no question that the government is overreacting a bit.
CNN reported that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site 13,000 people have died of complications from seasonal flu since January. Compared to the 150 suspected deaths in Mexico, that is a startling number. But not 1 we should freak out about.
Lest we forget about the avian flu and scabies crises that took place in Asia and El Paso.
There is a difference between suspected and confirmed cases, and the media should make an effort to convey that message clearly not to create panic.
Rick Perry and Arnold Schwarzenegger, governors of Texas and California respectively, have declared a state of emergency due to the quick spread of the illness. Perry also postponed all high school academic and athletic until May 11 because of cases confirmed in the Lone Star State. UTEP has not halted classes or cancelled the Conference USA softball tournament that will be held May 7-9 at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex.
Most of the actions are being taken as precautionary measures, but we must keep in mind that a big outbreak could occur and our public officials are trying to avoid that.
Carlos M. Silva may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.
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