Pigs in a Blanket

The spread of swine influenze continued today with a report of the first case in Asia. This most recent case followed an announcement by the World Health Organization that the global spread of the disease is highly likely.

Amidst the rising infection count however, there is reason for optimism. This pandemic-to-be illustrates that global cooperation is possible, especially in a international crisis situation. Almost every national government has taken preventative and/or containment measures. In addition, the World Bank is providing Mexico with more than $200 million in loans to help it to deal with the outbreak. 

This fact, that an international crisis can prompt separate national governments to act towards a unified goal, is significant. The hope is that the urgency of other problems, such as global warming, are able to compel governments toward such united efforts.