United States and Mexico Battle Swine Flu Vereinigte Staaten und Mexiko kämpfen gegen die Schweinegrippe Estados Unidos y México luchan contra la gripe porcina Les États-Unis et le Mexique luttent contre la grippe porcine 米国とメキシコの豚インフルエンザ対策 미국과 멕시코의 돼지 독감 전쟁 Estados Unidos e México lutam contra a gripe suína США и Мексика борются со свиным гриппом Amerika Birleşik Devletleri ve Meksika Domuz Gribiyle Mücadele Ediyor 美国和墨西哥抗击猪流感 美國和墨西哥對抗豬流感

This is the VOA Special English Health Report.

Swine flu is a respiratory sickness caused by an influenza virus that mainly infects pigs. 豬隻||||呼吸道|||||||||| However, sometimes the virus can sicken humans. |||||使生病| That is what has happened in Mexico in the last few weeks. ||||發生了|||||||

The virus is believed to have sickened at least two thousand people there. Mexican health officials suspect at least one hundred fifty-two people have died from swine flu. Many of those who died were young adults who were healthy before they became infected.

Mexico has suspended schools nationwide until at least May sixth. ||||全國範圍內||||| It has closed restaurants and churches. The government also cancelled large gatherings for sports, concerts and similar events. But many Mexicans have criticized the country's health measures. There are reports of seriously sick people being turned away from hospitals.

Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos says the government does not have enough health care workers for all the victims. But he says there is enough medicine to treat those who have swine flu.

The disease has spread to at least seven countries and is suspected in others. The United States has more than forty-eight confirmed cases in five states. The United States declared a public health emergency to permit the use of federal money and the use of flu medicines in federal storage. |||||||||||||聯邦的|||||||||| American officials so far have released about twelve million treatments of Tamiflu and sent them to the states. Bisher haben amerikanische Behörden etwa zwölf Millionen Behandlungen von Tamiflu freigegeben und an die Bundesstaaten geschickt. They say additional supplies are available if needed. Sie sagen, dass zusätzliche Vorräte verfügbar sind, wenn nötig. President Obama has said officials are being watchful, not fearful. Präsident Obama hat gesagt, dass die Beamten wachsam sind, aber nicht ängstlich.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people to avoid travel to Mexico. But it has not suggested a ban.

Swine flu can cause fever, head and muscle pain, cough, sore throat and stomach problems. If you have any of those signs, do not go to work or school. The only place you should go is to the doctor.

There are simple ways to help prevent spreading the virus. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. |||||||打噴嚏 Wash your hands with soap and water completely and often. Avoid contact with people who appear to be sick.

Also, get enough good food and rest. Your body's natural defense system needs to be at its strongest to protect you against disease. And that's the VOA Special English Health Report, written by Caty Weaver. I'm Doug Johnson. Transcript of radio broadcast: 28 April 2009