In it's latest update on the swine flu outbreak dated May 15, 2009, the CDC has stated that: "It is uncertain at this time how severe this novel H1N1 outbreak will be in terms of illness and death compared with other influenza viruses. Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness maybe more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against this novel H1N1 virus. CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations, and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks." The CDC reports that there have now been 4 deaths and 4,714 confirmed cases. The CDC in its latest report has indicated that the virus has become geographically widespread in the following states: Virginia, New Jersey, California, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Arizona.
