President Barack Obama asked Congress for $1.5 billion today to fight a new version of swine flu that is spreading in the U.S. and around the world.
His press secretary told reporters that the request was a prudent move to prepare for whatever lies ahead, noting that the money could be used to stockpile antiviral meds, help develop a new vaccine or take other actions that would help contain the virus.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, meanwhile, declared a state of emergency after health officials began to probe the deaths of two people who may have been infected with swine flu. A 33-year-old Long Beach man died after suffering symptoms of the flu. California was the first U.S. state to report cases of swine flu. The declaration will help California qualify for federal funds and help coordinate the medical response to the outbreak.
Seven countries have now confirmed cases of swine flu and the U.S. has confirmed 64 cases. In Mexico City, authorities ordered that restaurants restrict business to takeout orders as thousands of business were essentially shuttered to help slow the spread of the virus.
- read the report from the Washington Post
- read the report from Fox News
- read the report from the New York Times