MRC GEM

Per the World Health Organization, as of 3:15 PM ET Mexico had reported 26 confirmed cases of human swine flu, including seven deaths. In addition, six countries reported confirmed cases with no deaths: U.S. (64), Canada (6), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).

The Washington Post reports that 149 deaths in Mexico are being blamed on swine flu. However, the cause has only been confirmed in 20 of those deaths. Mexican Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova reported that 1,995 people have been hospitalized with serious cases of pneumonia, with 1,070 of these having been released.

The best information out there is still "maybe." This strain of swine flu is new, including genetic components of prior swine, avian, and human influenza viruses. It is difficult to predict how contagious and how virulent any new disease organism might be.

MRC GEM was well-represented, and received a national award, at the first-ever Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness, and Response Training Summit held recently in Dallas, Texas.

Be a part of Project AWARE (Added Warmth Assistance for Residences of our Elderly). Gwinnett County Senior Services (GCSS) and the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services are working together to assist senior citizens with staying warm during the bitter cold weather months.

A study commissioned by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform concluded that U.S. hospital surge capacity is inadequate to deal with the "predictable surprise."

Member Lynda Flage led the first part of our new in-depth CBRNE training on September 20, 2008. MRC GEM members were instructed in awareness, safety, PPE, and recognition of various chemical agents.

CDC released a new web site containing the Pandemic Influenza Storybook, the personal recollections of survivors, families, and friends. This is fascinating reading and gives us a better idea of what we might face in a future pandemic. The site is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/storybook/index.html