The latest from CDC

The acting director of CDC updated state and local health departments nationwide on the "swine" flu outbreak.

Yesterday, CDC reported seven confirmed cases; today there are eight. The last case was from San Diego and has recovered.

CDC has tested only 14 samples from Mexico and seven were the strain that is causing this illness. With only seven samples from Mexico and eight US cases, it is hard to draw conclusions. CDC expects to provide epidemiological and laboratory support to Mexico. Once CDC has more information about the nature of the cases in Mexico, the US will know more. They need detailed analysis of the virus' genome, Dr. Besser said.

Neither the CDC nor the WHO have elevated their threat levels to a pandemic. No travel restrictions have been issued but CDC is issuing an outbreak notice today for travelers to central Mexico and Mexico City. An outbreak notice provides information on what is known and allows travelers to take precautions.

Dr. Besser repeatedly talked of the cooperation among all the partners involved and CDC's commitment to open communication as information becomes available. CDC is taking these steps already:

1. working with state and local officials in California, Texas, WHO, and Mexico
   
2. sending teams to CA and TX to help identify infections, helping with lab
3. expect to send people to Mexico also
4. no travel restrictions at this time; an outbreak notice will be issued today for central Mexico and Mexico City
   
5. CDC will issue a MMWR health dispatch with recommendations
6. for labs - all unidentified strains should be sent to CDC
7. activated web page with info and updates www.cdc.gov/flu/swine (on home page)
8. activated hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO

You'll know more when we get it. Stay tuned this weekend.