Pox-Like Outbreak Reported

QUOTE

At least 19 people in three Midwestern states have contracted a disease related to smallpox, marking the first outbreak of the life-threatening illness in the United States, federal heath officials said yesterday. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, concerned that the illness could spread, issued a nationwide alert to doctors and public health officials to be on the lookout for more cases.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...6-2003Jun7.html

That's bizzare ! !! you're Mid-western America , arn't you Dshwartz ?

nope, im in the southeast.

The worst part about the pox is that they call it . . . Monkey Pox!

I kid you not.

Since the article clearly stated another name for the pox was monkeypox, I think we all realize you're not kidding

Actually Kismit, the highest concentration is in Wisconsin, where I live, which probably explains my proclivity for banana's at the moment.

Speculation is that the virus is spread by prairie dogs and similar animals that were purchased as pets, although I can't fathom why anyone would want a prairie dog (gopher like animal) as a pet. While rare and never before seen in the Western Hemishphere, the virus is believed to be far less contagious or life-threatening as the feared smallpox virus.

HERE'S an article from our local paper about it.

MM

Thanx Magik , Do me a fovour and look after yourself then
If it's itchy don't scratch it .... Just incase..... O.K.

it still sounds scary MagikMan even if its not small pox

QUOTE (Magikman @ Jun 8 2003, 06:47 PM)

although I can't fathom why anyone would want a prairie dog (gopher like animal) as a pet.

Some folks like rodents as pets. Rats, mice, hampsters, guinnae(?) pigs, gerbils... though some of these are just lunch for more non-traditional pets: Alligators, snakes, pirranah... Chickens can be cool pets, too (remember the guy that got arrested for walking his fowel in Italy? Or was it Brussels...) and can also be used for dinner in a pinch.

I personally have two pet rocks on my desk at work. Granny Itt and Sandy Stone. Great pets, they are. Low maintenance, house broken, quiet.

QUOTE (schadeaux @ Jun 9 2003, 11:16 AM)

I personally have two pet rocks on my desk at work.  Granny Itt and Sandy Stone.  Great pets, they are.  Low maintenance, house broken, quiet.

Ah, that's sweet, schadeaux, you even take them to work.