First US Death in Texas Due to Swine Flu

The first death due to swine flu has been reported today. A young boy reported to be either 22 or 23 months old died in Texas while he was visiting with his family from Mexico.

President Obama has asked congress for $1.5 billion in emergency funds to combat the flu. "This is obviously a serious situation, serious enough to take the utmost precautions," he stated.

Dr. Richard Besser of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on the Today Show that it's still too soon to tell how quickly the virus is spreading.

At this time, the CDC has the most up-to-date information regarding deaths and confirmed infection. With 91 US cases, New York still leads today with 51 cases with many other states just having been reported within the last 24 hours. It seems to be spreading quickly.

Mexico is faring the worst with the flu-- over 2000 cases have been reported and more than 150 deaths. Other countries reportedly affected are Canada, Britain, Spain and New Zealand. And although statements have been made that you cannot contract the disease by eating or preparing pork, many nations have banned pork products and Egypt has ordered the slaughter of all pigs.

Fiestas Patrias @ Puyallup Fair

Fiestas Patrias is the biggest holiday in Mexico which celebrates independence from the Spanish in the late 19th century. The official day in Mexico falls on September 16th but many of the locals gather to prepare for it September 15th when the President of Mexico re-enacts the original event by ringing the bells of the National Palace in Mexico City. The event is said to draw up to half a million spectators. Then, on the dawn of the 16th, the Mexican Independence Day, the national military parades through Zócalo and passes by Hidalgo Memorial. Learn more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grito_de_Dolores.

Each year Sav-on takes part in Fiestas Patrias by setting up a booth with some great giveaways and a free raffle at the Puyallup Fair! This year the Fiestas Patrias fair day fell on September 14th.

This year the turn out was great and so was the weather. Our new game wheel had people lining up to see what instant prizes they could win (which included movie tickets and $5 coupons to Taqueria Rinconsito!) No one left our booth empty handed!

Lucky winners of our free raffle won one of three Chivas soccer jerseys, one of two Pemco remote controlled cars valued at over $100, and a great Pemco bag which is the perfect size for a laptop!

Thanks to everyone that came by our booth and thanks to our Special Agents who made the day possible.


The morning crew

You can see more pictures from the Puyallup Fair event by going to our MySpace at www.myspace.com/savoninsurance and viewing our “Pics”.