Article

2005-09-20 Arabia

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Posted by Fred 2005-09-20 00:00|| || Front Page|| [9 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I know we're all really busy with the WOT, but this pandemic thing is starting to really worry me:

"A cargo of birds suspected of being infected with the deadly bird flu virus was cleared by Kuwaiti customs agents Sunday and allowed to enter the country. The cargo of birds was cleared through
customs âusing the assistance of influential peopleâ, customs officials and Interior Ministry employees . . ."

Gawd, they're too stupid to not mess with bird flu? Not that I'm all that surprised, but the arrogance--all--for--money mindset over there is unreal. They probably think bird flu can't hurt /EM>them since they're servants of allah, and rich to boot.

Idiots.

Posted by ex-lib 2005-09-20 13:10|| 2005-09-20 13:10|| Front Page Top

#2 I know we're all really busy with the WOT, but this pandemic thing is starting to really worry me:

"A cargo of birds suspected of being infected with the deadly bird flu virus was cleared by Kuwaiti customs agents Sunday and allowed to enter the country. The cargo of birds was cleared through
customs âusing the assistance of influential peopleâ, customs officials and Interior Ministry employees . . ."

Gawd, they're too stupid to not mess with bird flu? Not that I'm all that surprised, but the arrogance--all--for--money mindset over there is unreal. They probably think bird flu can't hurt them since they're servants of allah, and rich to boot.

Idiots.

Posted by ex-lib 2005-09-20 13:11|| 2005-09-20 13:11|| Front Page Top

#3 I follow bird flu developments closely and the pandemic may well be imminent. The developments in Jakarta are worrying - new cases every day. However, flu is enemic in wild birds and there are samples from a 100 years ago that contain H5N1. Its been in wild birds for a long time. There is nothing to indicate these strains are anywhere close to sustained H2H transmission, the thing we need to worry about. That will result from the 100's of millions of domestic birds (possibly via pigs) already infected in Asia.

Posted by phil_b 2005-09-20 17:45|| 2005-09-20 17:45|| Front Page Top

#4 That should read 'endemic'

Posted by phil_b 2005-09-20 17:47|| 2005-09-20 17:47|| Front Page Top

#5 We've had several threads on this while you were off doing other things, ex-lib. Stock up your pantry with staples, several days worth of bottled water, dust masks, surgical gloves and Purell. And hope that should the time come, it burns through your area quickly.

Search the old threads for more detailed advice, dear. We here in the First World should get off relatively lightly, especially those prepared to stay home for a bit. The less developed parts of the world will likely no longer have an overpopulation problem, especially with so many already weakened with malaria, AIDS, and other interesting diseases -- not to mention malnutrition, of course.

I don't mean to sound flippant, but those already suffering most are going to suffer even more, and there doesn't seem to be anything we can do about it.

Posted by trailing wife 2005-09-20 20:02|| 2005-09-20 20:02|| Front Page Top

#6 Current mortality rate is around 50% based on reported cases. Probably lower as an unknown number of cases go unreported. Even a mortality rate of 2% or 3% will kill more than WW2 with massive geopolitical consequences. As TW says stock up on supplies and be prepared to ride it out. We will know within 10 days if what is happening in Jakarta is it (the start of sustained H2H transmission) or another false alarm.

The problem with a panic is everybody does it at the same time. You will not believe how quickly grocery stores will be cleaned out. My advice is to get in first.

Posted by phil_b 2005-09-20 20:28|| 2005-09-20 20:28|| Front Page Top

#7 And get your flu shot!!! ;-)

Posted by trailing wife 2005-09-20 20:31|| 2005-09-20 20:31|| Front Page Top

#8 There are no shots for this strain of flu.

Channel News Asia just reported a 5 year old in Jakarta died this morning of suspected bird flu.

Posted by phil_b 2005-09-20 22:39|| 2005-09-20 22:39|| Front Page Top

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