It was the top story everywhere last week — swine flu. While media outlets have been praised for not over-reacting or sensationalizing, the same can’t be said for some government officials leading the charge to put Americans on travel lock-down and closing the border with Mexico.
Rep. Eric Massa, D-N.Y., was one of two members of Congress last week who demanded President Barack Obama immediately close the border.
“The public needs to be aware of the serious threat of swine flu, and we need to close our borders to Mexico immediately and completely until this is resolved,” Massa said in a statement.
Fellow Democrat Vice President Joe Biden put his foot in his mouth Thursday by suggesting he wouldn’t let family members get on a plane or subway. The White House quickly issued a clarification.
Over-reaching statements aren’t the answer — common sense is.
The handful of cases reported in Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties were “suspected” — not confirmed. In reporting on these cases, news outlets took their leads from local health departments, publicizing common-sense information for prevention — like washing hands, covering mouths when sneezing and staying home when feeling ill. Web sites to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health organizations were referenced for information about the new strain of flu.
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