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Swine Flu Spreads, As Do Scams

Flu now found in 15 countries, scams close behind

May 2, 2009

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The swine flu situation continues to evolve today, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 15 countries have officially reported 615 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico continues to be the epicenter, with 397 confirmed human cases of infection, including 16 deaths. The 241 rise in cases from Mexico compared to yesterday reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States has reported 141 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths: Austria (1), Canada (34), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Germany (4), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (13).

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Scams spreading

Meanwhile, swine flu scams may be spreading faster than the disease.

Con artists are preying on consumers' fears about the outbreak of the H1N1 virus — aka "swine flu" — by launching Internet sites to sell products they claim will diagnose, prevent, treat, or even cure this rapidly spreading virus, federal authorities warned today.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautioned the public to beware of any Web site or promotions for product that makes such claims about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

Federal authorities also warned Web site operators that have deceptive ads for these fraudulent products to quickly correct or remove them — or face enforcement action.

"Consumers who purchase products to treat the novel 2009 H1N1 virus that are not approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of influenza risk their health and the health of their families," said Michael Chappell, acting FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. "In conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, the FDA has developed an aggressive strategy to identify, investigate, and take regulatory or criminal action against individuals or businesses that wrongfully promote purported 2009 H1N1 influenza products in an attempt to take advantage of the current flu public health emergency."

Many deceptive products for the virus are now being sold online through illegitimate web sites, authorities said. These fraudulent "Swine Flu" products come in several varieties, including dietary supplements or other food products, or products purporting to be drugs, devices or vaccines.

"The last thing any consumer needs right now is to be conned by someone selling fraudulent flu remedies," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "The FTC will act swiftly against companies that resort to deceptive advertising."

The only two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of H1N1 flu are Tamiflu and Relenza, authorities said, adding there are currently no licensed vaccines approved for this virus.

More information about this outbreak – and which products are approved for treatment of the virus — is available on the FDA's Web site and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Web site.

Consumers with questions about personal protective equipment to use during this health emergency can find answers on the FDA's Web site.

The FDA urged consumers to report any fraudulent products for H1N1 flu — and the names of Web sites selling these items — to http://www.fda.gov/oci/flucontact.html federal authorities.

Find out everything you need to know about swine flu.

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