Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director of Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, today appeared on some early morning television shows and reports that he is “precautiously optimistic” about the trends of the virus that are now surfacing.  He is hopeful that this strain is not more serious, as feared, than any ordinary flu.  “We’re not out of the woods, but we aren’t seeing severe cases that we had been concerned about”, Dr. Besser commented.

The Associated Press count is 274 confirmed cases in 35 states in the U.S.  CDC count is 226 confirmed cases in 30 states.  Time lapse in state reporting to the federal agency accounts for the difference.  Totals as of today are:

• New York – 63

• Texas – 43

• California – 29

• Arizona – 18

• South Carolina -15

• Delaware – 10

• Louisiana, New Jersey, and Massachusetts – 7

• Colorado – 4

• Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia ,Wisconsin – 3

• Connecticut, Kansas, Michigan – 2

• Alabama, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah – 1

As of today, May 4, the state of Texas is reporting 13 counties have confirmed cases.  Texas has 254 counties.

Cautionary measures remain the same: cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, stay out of crowds, and stay at home if you are sick.  Do not attend work or school until your symptoms are gone.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, or alcohol sanitizing gel.