Swine Flu Spreads Throughout Chicago

As concern over the spread of the H1N1 Influenza A virus (the scientific name for "swine flu") grows, the latest numbers this morning have the tally at 54 probable cases in Illinois. All cases are from the greater Chicagoland area and the CDC has confirmed three. Several area schools have joined Kilmer Elementary in shutting their doors to prevent the spread, and CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond said Kilmer will remain closed until further notice.

Mayor Daley also had a response to Joe Biden's strange request from yesterday. Said MayDay of the VP's call to avoid planes, trains, and automobiles, "We all have to get to work, I mean we'd be staying out of our cars, out of subways, how about elevators? No, I mean, no, you have to remember, we have to use some common sense."

The fact that we, for once, agree with something the Mayor said caused more panic in the Chicagoist office this morning than anything relating to a pandemic.