DIỄN ÐÀN BẠN TRẺ

THƯ QUAN TRỌNG GỬI CHO CỘNG ĐỒNG VIỆT NAM VỀ CÚM HEO

TIN MỚI NHẤT: Hôm nay, 29 tháng 4/2009, Tổ chức Y tế Thế giới đã chính thức nâng báo động Cúm heo lên cấp 5 (pha 5), chỉ còn 1 cấp nữa là trở thành báo động đại dịch lây lan toàn cầu.

Tại các Trung tâm Kiểm soát và Ngăn ngừa Bệnh tật ở Atlanta, các nhà khoa học tại những phòng thí nghiệm tối tân nhất thế giới chạy đua để phát hiện thành phần cấu tạo của vi khuẩn cúm H1N1 - Ảnh ABC

Thư quan trọng gửi cho cộng đồng Việt Nam về Cúm Heo

Tôi vừa có một cuộc họp quan trọng với WHO (Tổ chức y tế thế giới) về tình trạng cúm heo. Tôi xin thông báo với cộng đồng với tư cách cá nhân và xin quí vị hãy xem đây là thư riêng cho quí vị.

Tình trạng cúm heo A(H1N1) nguy hiểm và nguy hiểm hơn những gì quí vị đọc trên những bản tin trên các báo chí. Theo riêng cá nhân tôi tìm hiểu thì nước Mỹ đã có 91 trường hợp và một tử vong, con số chính thức có thể cao hơn vì nhiều trường hợp chưa phát hiện, trong khi đó dịch ở Mexico có thể cao hơn nhiều so với con số mà chính phủ Mexico đưa ra. Theo ước đoán của tôi có thể trên 50,000 người bị dịch và có thể cao hơn. WHO hiện đang họp để nâng báo động lên cấp 5 trong nay mai và có thể lên 6 là cao nhất. Khi báo động cấp 6 tức là đóng cửa biên giới các nước lây nhiễm kể cả những chuyến bay và lưu thông nhất là tới Hoa Kỳ và Canada. Tôi hy vọng không có trường hợp nầy xảy ra.


Mississippi không lo gì về Cúm heo cả - Ảnh Facebook

Theo các khoa học gia cho biết là loại gen mới nầy do phối hợp của gen cúm gia cầm, cúm heo và cúm người. Nhiều bác sĩ chuyên môn ngành Genetics mà tôi tiếp xúc có ý nghi ngờ loại Virus nầy do người làm ra chứ không phải do tự nhiên. Nếu trường hợp nghi ngờ nầy là sự thật thì đây có thể là việc làm có chủ tâm và tại sao phải làm vậy thì chưa có câu trả lời.

Như quí vị biết là công việc làm ra một loại vi trùng mới như loại siêu vi trùng cúm heo A(H1N1) không phải là chuyện khó trong xã hội hôm nay. Chuyện cộng đồng chúng ta phải làm gì để giúp đồng hương VN tránh được thảm họa nầy mang đến cho gia đình chúng ta là việc quan trọng trong lúc nầy.

Tôi gửi khẩn cấp lá thư nầy đến cho quí đồng hương là hết sức cẩn thận, đừng xem thường nạn dịch nầy. Tôi mong quí đồng hương chúng ta là trong lúc nầy nên tránh các sinh hoạt chổ đông người. Khi đi shopping hay những nơi đông người thì xin quí vị rửa tay nhiều lần vì khi chúng ta đụng vào các nấm cửa, quần áo, đồ vật mà mình không biết có dính Virus hay không.

Nếu quí vị làm việc cần phải tiếp xúc với khách thì lúc nói chuyện, tìm cách đừng để mặt quá gần. Nếu sau khi tiếp xúc với người mà mình nghi có bệnh thì hãy vào rửa tay trước và rửa mặt liền sau đó. Nên mua loại napkins ướt có chất alcohol bán rất nhiều ở các cửa tiệm. Dùng loại nầy để lau tay, lau mặt thường nếu không có cơ hội rửa tay, rửa mặt.

Khi con em mình bị ho, bị sổ mũi chảy nước hãy liên lạc ngay với bác sĩ để khám. Theo tôi biết hiện nay chưa có Vaccine để chủng loại Virus mới nầy và các nhà thuốc cần thời gian 4-5 tháng để hoàn tất nhưng quí vị có thể chích ngừa loại Vaccine Flu hiện có để tránh loại Flu thông thường.

Thuốc Tamiflu rất hiệu quả cho loại Virus mới nầy, một vài nơi ở các nước Á Châu có thể mua không cần toa bác sĩ, nhất là mua online. Ở Mỹ & Canada và một số nước châu âu thì phải cần toa mới mua được Tamiflu và thuốc nầy rất mắt tiền nên có thể nhiều đồng hương chúng ta không có khả năng để mua thuốc. Nếu quí vị có bảo hiểm y tế thì khi thấy có triệu chứng đầu tiên của bệnh nầy là ho và sổ mũi nước thì xin gặp bác sĩ hay đi bệnh viện khám, nếu có bệnh, họ sẽ cho uống liền Tamiflu hay loại thuốc tương tự.

Xin quí đồng hương hãy chuẩn bị sẵn một ít đồ hộp, gạo, nước uống để ăn trong vòng một tháng cho gia đình mình. Nếu trường hợp WHO báo động tới level 6 thì trường học, công sở có thể bị buộc đóng cửa . Lúc đó thức ăn, đồ uống giá thành có thể cao hơn nhiều vì nhiều cơ sở hoạt động bị ngưng. Hiện nay WHO đang chuẩn bị nâng báo động lên level 5 trong vòng vài ngày tới.

Chúng ta nên chuẩn bị sớm thì đở hơn là lúc xảy ra nạn dịch toàn cầu, biên giới, cơ sở, trường học đóng cửa, đồ ăn thức uống giá thành cao thì sẽ khó khăn hơn nhiều vì sự thiếu hụt. Mong quí vị phổ biến tin nầy qua email cho bạn bè, thân hữu.

Trân Trọng

Bs Nguyễn Thùy Trang M.D. Genetics

SWINE FLU ALERT RAISED TO LEVEL 5 - W.H.O. WARNS SWINE FLU THREATENING TO BECOME PANDEMIC

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and TOM RAUM, Associated Press Writers Lauran Neergaard And Tom Raum, Associated Press Writers – 21 mins ago

MEXICO CITY – Global health authorities warned Wednesday that swine flu was threatening to bloom into a pandemic, and the virus spread farther in Europe even as the outbreak appeared to stabilize at its epicenter. A toddler who succumbed in Texas became the first death outside Mexico.

New cases and deaths finally seemed to be leveling off in Mexico, where 160 people have been killed, after an aggressive public health campaign. But the World Health Organization said the global threat is nevertheless serious enough to ramp up efforts to produce a vaccine against the virus.

"It really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic," WHO Director General Margaret Chan said in Geneva. "We do not have all the answers right now, but we will get them."

It was the first time the WHO had declared a Phase 5 outbreak, the second-highest on its threat scale, indicating a pandemic could be imminent.

Current WHO phase of pandemic alert

The first U.S. death from the outbreak was a Mexico City toddler who traveled to Texas with family and died Monday night at a Houston hospital. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius predicted the child would not be the last U.S. death from swine flu.

The virus, a mix of pig, bird and human genes to which people have limited natural immunity, had spread to at least nine countries. In the United States, nearly 100 have been sickened in 11 states.

Eight states closed schools Wednesday, affecting 53,000 students in Texas alone, and President Barack Obama said wider school closings might be necessary to keep crowds from spreading the flu. Mexico has already closed schools nationwide until at least May 6.

"Every American should know that the federal government is prepared to do whatever is necessary to control the impact of this virus," Obama said, highlighting his request for $1.5 billion in emergency funding for vaccines.

Just north of the Mexican border, 39 Marines were being confined to their California base after one contracted what may be swine flu. Senators questioned Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano about her decision not to close the border, action she said "has not been merited by the facts."

Ecuador joined Cuba and Argentina in banning travel either to or from Mexico, and other nations considered similar bans. In France, President Nicolas Sarkozy met with cabinet ministers to discuss swine flu, and the health minister said France would ask the European Union to suspend flights to Mexico.

The U.S., the European Union and other countries have discouraged nonessential travel to Mexico. Some countries have urged their citizens to avoid the United States and Canada as well. Health officials said such bans would do little to stop the virus.

Germany and Austria became the latest countries to report swine flu infections Wednesday, with cases already confirmed in Canada, Britain, Israel, New Zealand and Spain.

In addition to the 160 deaths, the virus is believed to have sickened 2,498 people across Mexico. But only 1,311 suspected swine flu patients remained hospitalized, and a closer look at daily admissions and deaths at Mexico's public hospitals suggests the outbreak may have peaked during three grim days last week when thousands of people complained of flu symptoms.

Scientists believe that somewhere in the world, months or even a year ago, a pig virus jumped to a human and mutated, and has been spreading between humans ever since. Unlike with bird flu, doctors have no evidence suggesting a direct pig-to-human infection from this strain, which is why they haven't recommended killing pigs.



Medical detectives have not zeroed in on where the outbreak began. Mexico's chief epidemiologist suggested Wednesday that someone could have carried it in from Pakistan or Bangladesh — or just about anywhere else in the world.

By March 9, the first symptoms were showing up in the Mexican state of Veracruz, where pig farming is a key industry in mountain hamlets and where small clinics provide the only health care.

The earliest confirmed case was there: a 5-year-old boy who was one of hundreds of people in the town of La Gloria whose flu symptoms left them struggling to breathe.

Days later, a door-to-door tax inspector was hospitalized with acute respiratory problems in the neighboring state of Oaxaca, infecting 16 hospital workers before she became Mexico's first confirmed death.

Neighbors of the inspector, Maria Adela Gutierrez, said Wednesday that she fell ill after pairing up with a temporary worker from Veracruz who seemed to have a very bad cold. Other people from La Gloria kept going to jobs in Mexico City despite their illnesses, and could have infected people in the capital.

The deaths were already leveling off by the time Mexico announced the epidemic April 23. At hospitals Wednesday, lines of anxious citizens seeking care for flu symptoms dwindled markedly.



The Mexican health secretary, Jose Angel Cordova, said getting proper treatment within 48 hours of falling ill "is fundamental for getting the best results" and said the country's supply of medicine was sufficient.

Cordova has suggested the virus can be beaten if caught quickly and treated properly. But it was neither caught quickly nor treated properly in the early days in Mexico, which lacked the capacity to identify the virus, and whose health care system has become the target of widespread anger and distrust.

In case after case, patients have complained of being misdiagnosed, turned away by doctors and denied access to drugs. Monica Gonzalez said her husband, Alejandro, already had a bad cough when he returned to Mexico City from Veracruz two weeks ago and soon developed a fever and swollen tonsils.

As the 32-year-old truck driver's symptoms worsened, she took him to a series of doctors and finally a large hospital. By then, he had a temperature of 102 and could barely stand.

"They sent him away because they said it was just tonsillitis," she said. "That hospital is garbage."

That was April 22, a day before Mexico's health secretary announced the swine flu outbreak. But the medical community was already aware of a disturbing trend in respiratory infections, and Veracruz had been identified as a place of concern.

Gonzalez finally took her husband to Mexico City's main respiratory hospital, "dying in the taxi." Doctors diagnosed pneumonia, but it may have been too late: He has suffered a collapsed lung and is unconscious. Doctors doubt he will survive.

Swine flu has symptoms nearly identical to regular flu — fever, cough and sore throat — and spreads like regular flu, through tiny particles in the air, when people cough or sneeze. People with flu symptoms are advised to stay at home, wash their hands and cover their sneezes.

While epidemiologists stress it is humans, not pigs, who are spreading the disease, sales have plunged for pork producers around the world. Egypt began slaughtering its roughly 300,000 pigs on Wednesday, even though no cases have been reported there. WHO says eating pork is safe, but Mexicans have even cut back on their beloved greasy pork tacos.

Pork producers are trying to get people to stop calling the disease swine flu, and Obama notably referred to it Wednesday only by its scientific name, H1N1. U.N. animal health expert Juan Lubroth noted some scientists say "Mexican flu" would be more accurate, a suggestion already inflaming passions in Mexico.

Authorities have sought to keep the crisis in context. In the U.S. alone, health officials say about 36,000 people die every year from flu-related causes.

Mexico's government said it remains too early to ease restrictions that have shut down public life in the overcrowded capital and much of the country. Pyramids, museums and restaurants were closed to keep crowds from spreading contagion.

"None of these measures are popular. We're not looking for that — we're looking for effectiveness," Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said. "The most important thing to protect is human life."

___

Associated Press writers Olga Rodriguez in Oaxaca, Mexico, E. Eduardo Castillo in Mexico City, Lauran Neergaard and Tom Raum in Washington, Juan A. Lozano in Houston, Mike Stobbe in Atlanta, Patrick McGroarty in Berlin and Maamoun Youssef in Cairo contributed to this report.

Tin mới nhất: Vào ngày Chủ Nhật 26 tháng 4/2009, Hoa Kỳ đã chính thức công bố tình trạng báo động y tế, xin xem tiếp phần tin tiếng Anh ở dưới.

Swine Flu website - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm

Bs Nguyễn Thùy Trang MD

Hãy Chuẩn Bị Tinh Thần Nếu Bệnh Dịch Cúm Chết Người BÙNG NỔ!!!
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Vào ngày hôm nay cơ quan The U.S. Centers for Disease Control là cơ quan hàng đầu bảo vệ bệnh dịch tại Hoa Kỳ đã tỏ ra lo lắng hiện tượng bệnh dịch đang xảy ra tại Mexico. Bệnh dịch hiện đang lan nhanh chóng, cho tới giờ phút nầy đã có trên 1,000 người lây bệnh ... Đây là một loại bệnh tương tự như bệnh Flu và nhiều khoa học gia trên thế giới nghi ngờ là một loại vi trùng mới được biến thể từ vi trùng cúm gia cầm và bây giờ có thể lây từ người sang người.

Ông giám đốc Dr. Richard Besser thuộc The U.S. Centers for Disease Control cho biết là hiện nay cơ quan bảo vệ y tế CDC của Hoa Kỳ đang chú tâm và hợp tác với cơ quan Y Tế Thế Giới để truy tìm loại vi trùng gây dịch nầy.

Những câu hỏi được đặt ra là:

(1) Đây có phải là loại Vi Trùng Mới?
(2) Vi Trùng nầy gây nên Tử Vong?
(3) Vi Trùng nầy lây từ người sang người?

Nếu 3 câu hỏi nầy được trả lời là YES thì thế giới sẽ trở nên thời kỳ không khác gì thế chiến thứ 3. Giới khoa học gia tại Mexico nghi ngờ là 3 câu hỏi trên đã trở thành sự thật và e rằng chúng ta đã quá muộn để ngăn nó.

Ông giám đốc Dr. Richard Besser cho biết dân chúng nước Mỹ nên chuẩn bị tinh thần nếu cơn dịch nầy trở nên Bùng Phát (OUTBREAK) .

Cộng Đồng Người Việt Tại Hải Ngoại nhất là tại California và Texas nên chuẩn bị một ít thực phẩm và nước uống, đèn pin, đài radio nhỏ để trong nhà và trong xe.

Trong trường hợp xấu nhất có thể xảy ra thì trong vài ngày nữa chúng ta sẽ được các cơ quan Y Tế Thông Báo.

Nếu Chúng ta chờ tới lúc thông báo thì e rằng đã quá muộn chăng!!!.

Trong Lúc Nầy Xin Cộng Đồng Theo Dõi Thường Xuyên Trang mạng: http:/www.pandemicflu.gov/ Thành Phố Mexico Báo Động Đỏ; Vi Trùng Cúm Lan Nhanh, Mexico Đóng Cửa Trường Học, Công Sở.
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Chính phủ Mễ vừa ra lệnh đóng cửa trường học, thư viện, rạp hát và cấm tụ họp đông người trong thời gian nầy ... Chính phủ Mễ đã báo động tại thủ đô Mexico City với các phương tiện truyền thông, TV, đài phát thanh đã phát sóng liên tục loan tin về bệnh dịch nguy hiểm đã làm tử vong 60 người và hiện nay đã lây lan trên 800 người khác. Cơ quan World Health Organisation (WHO) cảnh báo những người bị dịch có triệu chứng tương tự bệnh Cúm. Bộ trưởng Y Tế Mễ Tây Cơ, ông José Ángel Córdova cho biết chính quyền phải áp dụng nhanh chóng lệnh đóng cửa các cơ sở công cộng và khuyến khích các cơ sở Tư Nhân tại thủ đô nên cho công nhân nghỉ việc tạm thời trong tuần nầy.

Nhiều nhân chứng cho biết một lực lượng Y Tế hùng hậu với khẩu trang và áo Y Tế phủ kín đã túc trực ngăn những người bị dịch tiếp xúc với người khác. Tại Phi Trường, các trạm xe lửa đã có những nhân viên Y Tế lập lên những nơi khám khẩn cấp. Những hành khách buộc phải khai báo bệnh trạng, chính quyền và các hãng hàng không khuyến khích những người bị dịch không nên đi máy bay.

Mexico rơi vào tình trạng Báo Động Đỏ, đường phố vắng dần. Tại những nơi tụ tập đông người, các nhà hàng, vũ trường đêm thứ sáu đã vắng khách. Nhiều người đã đeo khẩu trang khi ra đường. Các trẻ em được cha mẹ bắt ở trong nhà cho tới khi chính phủ thông báo kế tiếp.

Các đài phát thanh khuyến khích mọi người không nên tới chổ đông người, chỉ đi tới ngoại trừ trường hợp khẩn cấp. Bệnh dịch tại Thành Phố Mexico được chính phủ Mễ quan tâm hàng đầu.

Hiện nay cơ quan World Health Organisation (WHO) đang mở đường dây nóng, túc trực liên lạc với chính phủ các nước Mexico, U.S, và Canada.

Báo Động Vi Trùng Cúm Nguy Hiểm Đang Xảy Ra...
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Bs Nguyễn Thuỳ Trang MD - Hiện nay đang xảy ra dịch tại Mễ Tây Cơ một loại vi trùng cúm mới A(H1N1) đã làm ít nhất 60 người chết, 20 người chết vì bệnh cúm do tiếp xúc loại vi trùng mới và 40 người khác chết vì liên quan tới bệnh cúm nầy.

Các nhà khoa học gia trên thế giới hiện đang họp khẩn về sự việc nầy . Loại vi trùng cúm mới nầy được nghi ngờ biến dạng DNA từ loại cúm gia cầm phối hợp với DNA của loại vi trùng cúm người để trở thành loại vi trùng nguy hiểm có thể lây từ người sang người. Hiện tại vi trùng mới nầy đã lây sang Hoa Kỳ và làm cho 8 người bị cúm nhưng hiện nay chưa có người tử vong.

Chúng ta nên tránh đi du lịch, tham quan Mễ Tây Cơ, nơi có bệnh dịch cúm nầy đang lây lan . Những người Việt chúng ta sống gần biên giới Mễ như San Diego, El Paso Texas nên cẩn thận, tránh tiếp xúc với những người bị Flu trong lúc nầy.

Câu Hỏi: Làm sao để biết người bị cúm (Flu)?

Trả Lời: Người bị cúm sẽ bị nóng sốt, nôn mửa, tiêu chảy và có thể bị ho, gương mặt họ mệt mỏi, mắt có thể đỏ nhừ... Khi người trong gia đình mình bị những triệu chứng trên thì nên liên lạc ngay với bác sĩ.

Câu Hỏi: Nếu trường hợp biết là bị cúm thì phải làm gì ngay?

Trả Lời: Trước nhất là cô lập bệnh nhân tránh lây lan tới những thành viên khác trong gia đình. Khi một người bắt đầu bị bệnh cúm thì vi trùng sẽ sinh sản rất nhanh trong cơ thể người đó, trong thời gian sinh sản nầy, vi trùng sẽ ít lây sang người khác nhưng sau một ngày thì vi trùng bắt đầu sinh sản mạnh và sẽ lây sang người khác qua sự tiếp xúc nhất là theo đường nước bọt, vì vậy người bị cúm nên tìm cách đeo khẩu trang và khi ho thì tránh ho vào mặt người khác.

Câu Hỏi: Hiện nay bệnh cúm có thuốc trị không, phải làm gì trong thời gian bị cúm?

Trả Lời: Hiện nay có loại thuốc chữa cúm tốt nhất là Tamiflu, thuốc nầy có thể mua không cần toa nhưng khi uống loại thuốc nầy nên tham khảo với bác sĩ vì trường hợp những người bị bệnh khó thở (chronic lung disease) như Asthma thì không nên dùng. Tamiflu hay các loại thuốc trị cúm khác chỉ có khả năng làm giảm bệnh chứ không chữa hết bệnh. Uống Tamiflu có hiệu quả tốt nhất là trong thời gian 1-2 ngày lúc bắt đầu bị cúm, sau khi bị cúm nặng thì thuốc Tamiflu không có tác dụng nhiều.

Trong thời gian bị cúm, nếu gia đình mình có trẻ em bị cúm thì phải hết sức cẩn thận đừng cho uống thuốc bừa bãi mà không có sự hướng dẫn của bác sĩ . Những loại thuốc không nên dùng cho trẻ em lúc bị cúm là thuốc Ho (Cough medicine ) và Aspirin . Thuốc Tylenol (Acetaminophen) có thể dùng để giảm sự đau nhức trong lúc cúm nhưng tránh đừng dùng quá lều lượng bác sĩ cho phép.

Uống nước thật nhiều hơn bình thường khi bệnh cúm vì nếu không bệnh nhân sẽ bị thiếu nước đưa tới tử vong. Trong thời gian bệnh cúm nên nằm nghỉ trên giường, tránh đi lại tiếp xúc với người khác.

Câu Hỏi: Tôi có nên đưa con em đi chích ngừa Flu không?

Trả Lời: Nếu có cơ hội thì nên đưa gia đình đi chích ngừa (Vaccine) bệnh Flu vì thuốc ngừa bắt đầu tác dụng 2 tuần sau khi chích, vì vậy nên chích ngừa càng sớm càng tốt.

Câu Hỏi: Sao con tôi vừa chích ngừa hôm qua mà hôm nay lại bị Flu, như vậy có phải thuốc chích ngừa không có công hiệu?

Trả Lời: Như tôi đã trình bày trên là thuốc ngừa bệnh Flu sẽ có tác dụng hai tuần sau khi chích, thuốc không có tác dụng ngay liền sau đó.

Bs Nguyễn Thùy Trang MD

* Xin quí vị giúp chúng tôi phổ biến rộng thông tin nầy đến với cộng đồng VN trong lúc nầy.

U.S. DECLARES PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO SWINE FLU

04.26.09, 08:00 PM EDT
Source: Forbes, HealthDay News

European Union advises against nonessential travel to the United States or Mexico, report says.

MONDAY, April 27 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health officials declared a public health emergency Sunday in response to the swine flu outbreak, as the number of confirmed cases nationwide rose to 20.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the declaration was a precautionary measure, and did not mean that the threat posed by the outbreak was worsening. But, the move allows federal and state governments easier access to flu tests and medications, she said.

"That [a public health emergency] sounds more severe than it really is. This is standard operating procedure, and allows us to free up federal, state and local agencies and their resources for prevention and mitigation. It allows us to use medication and diagnostic tests that we might not otherwise be able to use, and it releases funds for the acquisition of additional antivirals," Napolitano said during a press conference at the White House.

Napolitano said the federal government had 50 million doses of the antiviral flu medication Tamiflu, and a quarter of those doses were being released to states, if needed, "particularly prioritizing the states where we already have confirmed incidence of the flu."

All 20 U.S. patients -- eight in New York, seven in California, two in Texas, two in Kansas and one in Ohio -- have recovered, Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the news conference.

In a separate Sunday afternoon press conference, Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's Interim Deputy Director for Science and Public Health Program, said that it's still too early to say that the flu outbreak in the U.S. will be less severe than the one occurring in Mexico.

"Right now it's premature to say the disease in Mexico is different than here. We don't have that many infected people at this point and we don't have great information from Mexico yet," Schuchat said. "Certainly, we have deaths in Mexico and we have not -- fortunately -- seen them yet here, but we fear that we may. We need to prepare for the idea that we will have additional cases, additional affected states and I do fear that we will have deaths here."

Meanwhile, in Mexico, believed to be the source of the outbreak, authorities continued to take dramatic steps over the weekend -- including suspending public gatherings -- to try to contain the swine flu outbreak that officials say has killed as many as 103 people, and sickened more than 1,600 others in that country.

On Monday, the European Union advised against nonessential travel to the United States or Mexico, CBS News reported.

In the United States, eight more cases of swine flu, all involving school students, were confirmed Sunday by New York City health officials, while another case was reported in Ohio. Two cases were reported in Kansas on Saturday, plus another in California. That brings the national total of confirmed swine flu cases to 20. All of the cases have so far been mild.

Some of the U.S. cases involved people who had recently returned from trips to Mexico, Schuchat noted in the Sunday press conference. The two cases reported in Kansas involved a husband and wife who had recently been to that country, she said. And The New York Times reported that some of the students at St. Francis Preparatory School, in Queens, had recently come back from Mexico as well.

Also on Sunday, Canadian officials confirmed four "very mild" cases of swine flu at a school in Nova Scotia, and two other cases in British Columbia. According to the Associated Press, a provincial health official said that the infection that sickened the students in Nova Scotia "was acquired in Mexico, brought home and spread."

The CDC's Besser said that as the number of cases of swine flu continues to grow in Mexico, his agency expects to see more cases in the United States. "As we look for cases of swine flu, we are seeing more cases of swine flu, and we would expect to see more cases of swine flu," he said.

"We have ramped up our surveillance around the country to try and understand better what is the scope, what is the magnitude of this outbreak," Besser said.

Although all the reported cases in the United States have so far been mild, there are bound to be more severe cases, Besser said. "Given the reports out of Mexico, I would expect that over time we are going to see more severe disease in this country," he said.

Napolitano said the Department of Homeland Security has started "passive surveillance protocols to screen people coming into the country."

"All persons entering the United States from a location of human infection of swine flu will be processed by appropriate CDC protocols," she said. "Right now these are passive. They are looking for people and asking about: 'Are you sick? Have you been sick?' and the like. And if so, they can be referred over for further examination. Travelers who do present with symptoms will be isolated."

Despite the outbreak the U.S. government has not told people not to travel to Mexico or other counties where flu has been found. "To date the State Department had not issued official travel advisories, for particularly Mexico, but these situations are very fluid," Napolitano said.

There are steps people can take to help prevent catching and spreading the flu, including frequent hand-washing, Besser said. "If you are sick it is very important that people stay at home. If your children are sick, have a fever and flu-like illness, they shouldn't go to school. And if you are ill you shouldn't get on an airplane or another public transport. Those things are part of personal responsibility in trying to reduce the impact," he said.

In a Saturday news conference, Schuchat told reporters that, because of the wide geographic spread of the virus so far, the outbreak was already "beyond containment."

But she added that U.S. health officials had numerous tools to fight the illness' spread and protect the health of Americans. The viruses found in the United States are resistant to two antiviral medications -- amantadine and rimantadine -- but are susceptible to the antivirals oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), Schuchat said.

Schuchat said steps were already being taken to devise a vaccine against this strain of swine flu, although the process takes time. "We are taking the initial steps in terms of preparing the seed virus to hand off to the industry partners, to produce large quantities. But you know it takes months to produce a vaccine," she said.

In response to the developments in North America, countries around the world planned quarantines and tested airline passengers for fevers as global health officials tried Sunday to come up with uniform ways to battle the outbreak. Nations from New Zealand to France reported new suspected cases and some warned citizens against travel to North America, the AP said.

World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan held teleconferences with staff and flu experts around the world but stopped short of recommending specific measures to halt the disease beyond urging governments to step up their surveillance of suspicious outbreaks, the news service said.

In Mexico, the government has ordered schools closed and all public events have been suspended for the time being, including more than 500 concerts and other gatherings in the city of 20 million residents. Even churches stood empty Sunday, the AP said.

While Mexico's flu season is usually over by now, health officials noticed a sizeable uptick in flu cases in recent weeks. According to a report published in The New York Times on Friday, World Health Organization experts said that most deaths among Mexican patients with swine flu have involved healthy young adults.

That could be worrisome, experts say. Seasonal flus usually strike hardest at infants and the elderly, but pandemic flus -- such as the 1918-19 Spanish flu, which killed an estimated 20 million to 40 million people worldwide -- often strike young, healthy people, the newspaper reported.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza. Swine flu does not normally infect humans. However, human infections do occur, usually after exposure to pigs. Symptoms resemble those of the regular flu, including sore throat, coughing and fever.

More information

For more on swine flu, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/

Concern that the world could be on the brink of the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years escalated Sunday as France, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Spain reported potential new cases in which people had been infected with swine flu and Canada confirmed several new cases. In the U.S., where 20 such infections have been confirmed, federal health officials declared a public-health emergency and are preparing to distribute to state and local agenciesa quarter of the country's 50 million-dose stockpile of antiviral drugs. Meanwhile, in hard-hit Mexico, where more than 80 people have died from what is believed to be swine flu, the government closed all public schools and canceled hundreds of public events in Mexico City.

SWINE FLU: 5 THINGS YOU NED TO KNOW ABOUT THE OUTBREAK

Source: TIME

By BRYAN WALSH Bryan Walsh – Mon Apr 27, 3:10 am ET

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) is referring to the situation as a "public-health emergency of international concern," the apparent emergence in several countries of an entirely new strain of H1N1 flu virus has led some scientists to believe that it is only a matter of time before the WHO declares pandemic status, a move that could prompt travel bans to infected countries. "We are clearly seeing wide spread," says Michael Osterholm, a pandemic risk expert who runs the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. "There is no question." (Read about the vaccine being prepared in case of a pandemic.)

Health officials in Washington were quick to point out Sunday that none of the 20 cases identified in the U.S. so far has been fatal; all but one of the victims has recovered without needing to be hospitalized. Officials also noted that only one American has been infected so far who had not recently traveled to Mexico - a woman in Kansas got sick after her husband returned from a business trip in that country, where he became ill - but that could change as more intensive disease surveillance begins. "As we continue to look for more cases, I expect we're going to find them," said acting Centers for Disease Control (CDC) director Richard Besser.

In the U.S., where cases have also been found in California, Texas, and New York City, the declaration of a public-health emergency is part of what federal officials termed an "aggressive response" to the outbreaks. In addition to releasing from the national stockpile some 12.5 million doses of the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza - which scientists say has so far been effective against the H1N1 swine flu virus - the Department of Homeland Security will begin "passive surveillance" to screen people entering the U.S. Any traveler coming from a country with a confirmed human swine flu infection will be questioned, checked for symptoms and potentially isolated if they are found ill. Though the CDC has issued public warnings about the more serious outbreak in Mexico, there are no recommendations from Washington against traveling to the neighboring country.

That is in contrast to the more extreme actions of some other governments, including Hong Kong, where officials on Sunday urged residents to avoid going to Mexico. Hong Kong officials also ordered the immediate detention in a hospital of anyone who arrives with a fever above 100.4 F, respiratory symptoms and a history of traveling over the past seven days to a city with a confirmed case of swine flu infection.

But Washington officials Sunday did their best not to overstate the situation and emphasized that their response wasn't out of the ordinary. "I wish we could call it declaration of emergency preparedness, because that's really what it is in this context," said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. "We're preparing in an environment where we really don't know ultimately what the size or seriousness of this outbreak is going to be."

Right now health officials around the world are trying to take precautions without inciting panic. Here are just a few of the questions facing them - and ultimately, us as well:

1. Is this a flu pandemic?

The influenza virus is constantly mutating. That's why we can't get full immunity to the flu, the way we can to diseases like chicken pox, because there are multiple strains of the flu virus and they change from year to year. However, even though the virus makes us sick, our immune systems can usually muster enough of a response so that the flu is rarely fatal for healthy people.

But every once in awhile, the virus shifts its genetic structure so much that our immune systems offer no protection whatsoever. (This usually happens when a flu virus found in animals - like the avian flu still circulating in Asia - swaps genes with other viruses in a process called reassortment, and jumps to human beings.) A flu pandemic occurs when a new flu virus emerges for which humans have little or no immunity and then spreads easily from person to person around the world. In the 20th century we had two mild flu pandemics, in 1968 and 1957, and the severe "Spanish flu" pandemic of 1918, which killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide.

The WHO has the responsibility of declaring when a new flu pandemic is underway, and to simplify the process, the U.N. body has established six pandemic phases. Thanks to H5N1 avian flu, which has killed 257 people since 2003 but doesn't spread very well from one human to another, we're currently at phase 3. If the WHO upgraded that status to phase 4, which is marked by a new virus that begins to pass easily enough from person to person that we can detect community-sized outbreaks, such a move would effectively mean that we've got a pandemic on our hands.

The H1N1 swine flu virus has already been identified as a new virus, with genes from human and avian flus as well as the swine variety. And since it is apparently causing large-scale outbreaks in Mexico, along with separate confirmed cases in the U.S. and Canada and suspected cases in other countries, it would seem that we've already met the criteria for phase 4. But though an emergency committee met on April 25 to evaluate the situation, the WHO hasn't made the pandemic declaration yet. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's interim assistant director-general for health, security and environment, said on Sunday that its experts "would like a little bit more information and a little bit more time to consider this." The committee is set to meet again by April 28 at the latest.

As health officials have repeatedly emphasized, with good reason, the swine flu situation is evolving rapidly, and more lab tests are needed to ascertain exactly what is going on in Mexico and elsewhere. "We want to make sure we're on solid ground," said Fukuda, a highly respected former CDC official and flu expert.

2. What will happen if this outbreak gets classified as a pandemic?

Moving the world to pandemic phase 4 would be the signal for serious containment actions to be taken on the national and international level. Given that these actions would have major implications for the global economy, not to mention the effects of the public fear that would ensue, there is concern that the WHO may be considering politics along with science. "What the WHO did makes no sense," says Osterholm. "In a potential pandemic, you need to have the WHO be beyond question, and (April 25) was not a good day for them."

Of course, declaring a pandemic isn't a decision that should be taken lightly. For the WHO, phase 4 might trigger an attempt to keep the virus from spreading by instituting strict quarantines and blanketing infected areas with antivirals. But we appear to have missed the opportunity to contain the disease at its source since the virus is already crossing borders with ease. "We cannot stop this at the border," said Anne Schuchat, the CDC's interim director for science and public health. "We don't think that we can quench this in Mexico if it's in many communities now."

That would leave the WHO and individual countries to fall back on damage control, using antivirals and old-fashioned infection control - like closing schools, limiting public gatherings and even restricting travel - to slow the spread of the virus. But such efforts would likely inflict serious damage on an already faltering global economy - and the truth is, we don't know how well those methods will work.

3. Why have the U.S. cases been so much milder than the ones in Mexico?

This is the question that has health officials from Geneva to Washington puzzled. In Mexico, swine flu has caused severe respiratory disease in a number of patients - and even more worryingly, has killed the sort of young and healthy people who can normally shrug off the flu. (Fueling such concerns is the fact that similar age groups died in unusually high numbers during the 1918 pandemic.) Yet the cases in the U.S. have all been mild and likely wouldn't have even garnered much attention if doctors hadn't begun actively looking for swine flu in recent days. "What we're seeing in this country so far is not anywhere near the severity of what we're hearing about in Mexico," said the CDC's Besser. "We need to understand that."

Some of the difference may be due to the fact that Mexico has apparently been grappling with swine flu for weeks longer than the U.S. As doctors across the U.S. begin checking patients with respiratory symptoms for swine flu, CDC officials expect to see more severe cases in the U.S. as well - and as better epidemiological work is done in Mexico, we'll probably hear about more mild cases there too. Right now, however, the true severity of the H1N1 swine flu virus is still an open question, whose answer could change over time. The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic began with a fairly mild wave of infections in the spring, but the virus returned a few months later in a far more virulent form. That could happen with the current swine flu as well. "It's quite possible for this virus to evolve," said Fukuda. "When viruses evolve, clearly they can become more dangerous to people."

4. How ready is the U.S. - and the world - to respond to a flu pandemic?

In some ways, the world is better prepared for a flu pandemic today than it has ever been. Thanks to concerns over H5N1 avian flu, the WHO, the U.S. and countries around the world have stockpiled millions of doses of antivirals that can help fight swine flu as well as other strains of influenza. The U.S. has a detailed pandemic preparation plan that was drafted under former President George W. Bush. Many other countries have similar plans. SARS and bird flu have given international health officials useful practice runs for dealing with a real pandemic. We can identify new viruses faster than ever before, and we have life-saving technologies - like artificial respirators and antivirals - that weren't available back in 1918. "I believe that the world is much, much better prepared than we have ever been for dealing with this kind of situation," said Fukuda.

At the same time, the very nature of globalization puts us at greater risk. International air travel means that infections can spread very quickly. And while the WHO can prepare a new swine flu vaccine strain in fairly short order, we still use a laborious, decades-old process to manufacture vaccines, meaning it would take months before the pharmaceutical industry could produce its full capacity of doses - and even then, there wouldn't be enough for everyone on the planet. The U.S. could be particularly vulnerable; only one plant, in Stillwater, Penn., makes flu vaccine in America. In a pandemic, that could produce some ugly political debates. "Do you really think the E.U. is going to release pandemic vaccine to the U.S. when its own people need it?" asks Osterholm.

Indeed, the greatest risk from a pandemic might not turn out to be from the swine flu virus itself - especially if it ends up being relatively mild - but what Osterholm calls "collateral damage" if governments respond to the emergency by instituting border controls and disrupting world trade. Not only would the global recession worsen - a 2008 World Bank report estimated that a severe pandemic could reduce the world's GDP by 4.8% - but we depend on international trade now for countless necessities, from generic medicines to surgical gloves. The just-in-time production systems embraced by companies like Wal-Mart - where inventories are kept as low as possible to cut waste and boost profit - mean that we don't have stockpiles of most things. Supply chains for food, medicines and even the coal that generates half our electricity are easily disruptable, with potentially catastrophic results. Though we'll likely hear calls to close the border with Mexico, Osterholm points out that a key component used in artificial respirators comes from Mexico. "We are more vulnerable to a pandemic now than at any other time over the past 100 years," he says. "We can't depend on ourselves."

5. So how scared should we be?

That depends on whom you ask. Officials at the CDC and the WHO have emphasized that while the swine flu situation is serious, they're responding with an abundance of precautions. Even Osterholm, who has been highly critical of the U.S. government's long-term failures to better prepare for a pandemic, gives the CDC a 9 out of 10 for its response so far. Outside of Mexico, the swine flu hasn't looked too serious yet - unlike during the SARS outbreaks of 2003, when an entirely new virus with no obvious treatment took the world by surprise. In the U.S., the normal flu season is winding down, which should make it easier for public-health officials to pick out swine flu cases from run-of-the-mill respiratory disease. And there are simple things that people can do to protect themselves, like practicing better hygiene (wash hands frequently and cover mouth and nose when sneezing) and staying away from public places or traveling if they feel sick. "There's a role for everyone to play when an outbreak is ongoing," said Besser.

But the truth is that every outbreak is unpredictable, and there's a lot we don't know yet about the new swine flu. There hasn't been a flu pandemic for more than a generation, and there hasn't been a truly virulent pandemic since long before the arrival of mass air transit. We're in terra incognito here. Panic would be counterproductive - especially if it results in knee-jerk reactions like closing international borders, which would only complicate the public-health response. But neither should we downplay our very real vulnerabilities. As Napolitano put it: "This will be a marathon, not a sprint." Be prepared.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SWINE INFLUENZA AND YOU - WHAT IS SWINE FLU?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Source: Miss Universe Organization, samaylive.com

Las Vegas: Miss North Carolina USA Kristen Dalton was crowned Miss USA 2009 on Sunday, beating 50 other beauty queens in the live pageant televised from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino here.

The 21-year-old aspiring motivational speaker from Wilmington edged out first runner-up Miss California USA Carie Prejean of San Diego and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco of Phoenix.

Miss USA, Celebrity Apprentice, Desperate Housewives

Las Vegas, NV - April 19, 2009 – This evening, during one of the year’s most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss North Carolina USA, Kristen Dalton, as MISS USA® 2009. “My Name is Earl” star Nadine Velazquez and Billy Bush of “Access Hollywood” hosted the 58th Annual MISS USA Pageant from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in one of the world’s most electrifying cities, Las Vegas.

Ms. Dalton is a talented singer and dancer who completed her degree in Psychology and Spanish at East Carolina University. She’s not the only pageant winner in her family. Her mother was Miss North Carolina USA in 1982 and her sister was Miss North Carolina Teen USA in 2008.

The judging panel for the 2009 Miss USA® Pageant included: Robert Earl, owner and co-chairman of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; Miss USA 2004 and television presenter, Shandi Finnessey; co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Willie Geist; President of Entertainment, MTV Networks Music Channels, 
Brian Graden; Holly Madison star of "Girls Next Store"; the internet’s most notorious celebrity gossip columnist Perez Hilton; “Access Hollywood” contributor and KVBC News Entertainment reporter 
Alicia Jacobs; “Deal or No Deal” model and star of “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Claudia Jordan; John Miller, Chief Marketing Officer, NBC Universal; Kelly Monaco, season one celebrity winner of “Dancing With the Stars,” and “Peepshow” star; comedian and cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” Kenan Thompson and Eric Trump, Executive Vice President, Development & Acquisitions of The Trump Organization. 


Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions, the “Top Five” finalists were selected before the crowning. 
Crystle Stewart, MISS USA 2008, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, where Kevin Rudolf performed his enigmatic anthem “Let It Rock” during the swimsuit competition of the telecast and rising electro-pop stars, The Veronicas, performed their hit single “Untouched” during the evening gown competition before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

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"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage," Prejean said. "And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

Some in the audience cheered, others booed. The answer sparked a shouting match in the lobby after the show. Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean

The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club, Miss USA is armed to educate women today.

Boyle's Got Talent

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 - Saturday 11th April

47 Year old Susan Boyle wows the judges with her performance in the auditions for Britains Got Talent, singing I dreamed a dream from Les Miserables.

by Mike Krumboltz

4,480 Votes "American Idol" isn't the only launching pad for aspiring singers. Across the pond, "Britain's Got Talent" scored a huge boost in the Buzz after an unassuming contestant gave an amazing performance.

Susan Boyle (remember that name) became a Web phenomenon after singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. The performance brought the audience to its feet and left the judges (including Simon Cowell) either speechless or in tears.

Before going on stage, Ms. Boyle admitted some self-deprecating facts about herself (she's never been kissed and lives alone with her cat, Pebbles). For those reasons and more, audiences were expecting the female William Hung. They were wrong.

Lookups on the sudden star posted huge gains. A no-name just the other day, Ms. Boyle quickly surged into our top 5,000 overall searches. Blogs and gossip rags went wild. The Mirror jumped on the story, reporting that while Ms. Boyle thought she "looked like a garage" on TV, she received a standing ovation when she showed up at her local church.

Other sources write that as a child, Ms. Boyle was the target of bullies because of a disability. But, with her newfound fame, she is getting the last laugh. In fact, she's already meeting with officials from Mr. Cowell's Sony BMG label. This may have been the first you've heard of her, but it certainly won't be the last. You can watch her performance below...

Here are the Lyrics
(Thanks to NewHotdox) -

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung
No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
As they turn your dream to shame.

And still
I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be
So different form this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed
The dream I dreamed.

Source: Susan Boyle Fansite

HOW MISS BOYLE'S I DREAMED A DREAM ON BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT TROUNCED DR WHO IN THE TV RATINGS

Susan Boyle's singing proved more popular than a Who smooch -

Photo: Mail Online

By Richard Simpson
Source: Mail Online

It was a heartfelt performance from an unlikely star - and one which won her millions of fans.

Susan Boyle's breathtaking rendition of I Dreamed A Dream on Britain's Got Talent also helped the show trounce its rather more glamorous Saturday night rival, Doctor Who.

Miss Boyle, 48, whose previous experience was limited to the church choir and karaoke, inspired the ITV show to a peak of 11.8million viewers.

The Doctor Who Easter special, which featured former EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan, was watched by a peak of 8.7million.

The average number of viewers to watch the opening show of the two-hour talent contest was 10.3million.

It represented an increase of 17 per cent on last year's opening night, which drew in 8.8million viewers.


Dr Who's Easter Special was outviewed by Britain's Got Talent, peaking at 8.7m viewers - despite an appearance by ex-EastEnder Michelle Ryan - Photo: Mail Online

Miss Boyle revealed she was battling deep personal anguish as she sang the track from the West End stage show Les Miserables.

It was the first time she had sung in public since the death of her mother two years ago.

The church volunteer from West Lothian said she could not bring herself to sing after the death of her mother Bridget, 91, in 2007.

Her performance on ITV1 on Saturday night was 'extraordinary', according to Simon Cowell.

Fellow judge Piers Morgan added that it was 'without a doubt the biggest surprise I have had in three years of this show'.

Miss Boyle said she was only persuaded to sing when she heard about auditions for the show.

'I was left really upset,' she said. 'Because of the bereavement, I had decided to give up singing. Up until then I was singing in the church choir and doing karaoke regularly, but I just didn't feel up to it after that.

'When I heard about the auditions for Britain's Got Talent I decided to get back into singing and start enjoying life again.

'I wasn't sure how my voice would sound after so long but the reception I got from the audience and the judges was fantastic.'

She added: 'Mum lived with me and she was my life - I cared for her.

'But she urged me to enter this show as she said I had a fantastic voice. So this year I thought I'd go for it - and I can't believe what has happened.'

She added: 'I hope my mum and dad Patrick are looking down on me - they'll be so proud.'

Miss Boyle told the Mail she is facing the prospect of fame cautiously.

'I'll get used to the fame side of things with baby steps - one step at a time. I am enjoying it very much just now. It's very good. I'll take the fame in my stride.'

Miss Boyle has admitted she has never been on a date, or even been kissed.

She lives alone with her cat Pebbles on a council estate in remote Bathgate.

[Les Miserables] 10th anniversary - I Dreamed a Dream - Ruthie Henshall

LES MISERABLES LYRICS - I Dreamed a Dream Lyrics

There was a time when men were kind,
And their voices were soft,
And their words inviting.
There was a time when love was blind,
And the world was a song,
And the song was exciting.
There was a time when it all went wrong...

I dreamed a dream in time gone by,
When hope was high and life, worth living.
I dreamed that love would never die,
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.
Then I was young and unafraid,
And dreams were made and used and wasted.
There was no ransom to be paid,
No song unsung, no wine, untasted.

But the tigers come at night,
With their voices soft as thunder,
As they tear your hope apart,
And they turn your dream to shame.

He slept a summer by my side,
He filled my days with endless wonder...
He took my childhood in his stride,
But he was gone when autumn came!

And still I dream he'll come to me,
That we will live the years together,
But there are dreams that cannot be,
And there are storms we cannot weather!

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living,
So different now from what it seemed...
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed...