WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House plans a briefing Sunday afternoon to discuss swine flu and the government’s response.

The officials who will discuss the situation include Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Richard Besser.

So far, there have been at least 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Texas and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. At least two were hospitalized.

A deadly swine flu strain in Mexico has killed up to 81 people and likely sickened 1,324 since April 13.

President Barack Obama’s Homeland Security Council is monitoring the outbreak, along with the State Department and the CDC.

The White House briefing is set for 12:30 p.m. EDT.

Quelle: Associated Press

Bestätigung des Termins über Reuters.

White House:

• PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DECLARED. “This is standard operating procedure.”
• Anti-viral drugs: We have 50 million courses stockpiled and we are releasing some.
• Even if this outbreak is a small one, we can anticipate a later outbreak.
• NO evidence of bioterrorism. Nothing to suggest anything other than natural causes.
• Travel guidelines may change. We expect to see the emergence of new flu strains.
• Strategic National Stockpile has considerable assets. Predeployment is a leaning forward.
• We haven’t been able to answer why deaths in Mexico but none in US.
• Based on swine flu incubation period, Pres and contingent that travelled to Mexico were not infected.