3 ms·
Colombian president catches swine flu
- byoung2 17y agoAccording to the CDC, rapid influenza tests have unknown specificity and sensitivity to distinguish between novel influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, and typical seasonal influenza A. The only way to tell is through isolation and full viral culture, which can take up to 5 days. If President Uribe just noticed symptoms on Friday, it is not likely he could have a confirmed H1N1 diagnosis by Sunday. Having just been misdiagnosed with swine flu, I think it's possibly a misdiagnosis. Here is the CDC's take on interpreting rapid test results: "Currently, novel influenza A (H1N1) virus will test positive for influenza A and negative for H1 and H3 by real-time RT-PCR. If reactivity of real-time RT-PCR for influenza A is strong (e.g. Ct <30) it is more suggestive of a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus" (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/specimencollection.htm http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/specimencollection.htm) Doesn't sound very definite to me.
- andreshb 17y agoThe close contact all the south american world leaders had during #UNASUR creates an unimaginable risk of chaotic repercussions. Consider, also, that none of the other presidents (except ofcourse, Chavez) have responded on the issue. I hope it is as you say, a misdiagnosis. Although, it was not even offered as a possibility by the health officials.