Global Pulse Blog

BBC has a nice interactive map that shows the spread of swine flu at different points since the first cases were identified:

Amidst the calls for readiness and the necessity of prompt public health action, Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas has been confirmed as the US Health and Human Services Secretary.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced it is sending a team to investigate claims that industrial pig farms in Mexico were the source of the outbreak. Meanwhile, the Internet is aswarm with swine flu rumors ranging from the plausible to the outrageous (as well as a gratuitous number of attempted puns involving pigs and flying). A sampler (with source): the outbreak’s name should have nothing to do with pigs (US pork producers; also the government of Israel); the virus was secretly created in US labs in a bid for world domination (Indonesia); avoiding pork chops will protect you against it (Twitter; also a number of world governments); so will enemas (The Huffington Post); so will getting drunk (xkcd.com, point your mouse over the image). OK, so maybe the last one is just there to lighten the mood. But seriously, people. While we marvel at the fascinating cultural beliefs and geopolitical realities that underlie these rumors, do let us try and stick to the science when it comes to disseminating information.

Seen any fantastic swine flu rumors or controversies out there? Please add them in the comments!