WHILE reports of a unique form of flu---swine flu---were appearing around the world,there was the question:Is this the next big one?Is this the new virus that will kill millions,like the pandemics(流行疾病)of 1918,1957 and 1968?
Well,even the scientists’crystal ball may not help them come up with an answer that quickly.“It’s hard to predict,”said Anne Schuchat,liuxing PhD,of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“We need to be prepared for change.”
The center of the new virus is Mexico,where it has been blamed for 152 deaths and an estimated 2,000 cases,since April 13.Health officials around the world say they are investigating suspected cases in people who have been to Mexico.The level of concern rose even more when the US declared a public health emergency on Sunday.
The flu makes people feel like they have a serious cold.In more serious cases,it may bring death.Flu viruses can be carried by humans,birds,and other animals and transmitted among themselves.It is believed that rotating flu viruses revisit humans in intervals and can leave a huge number of casualties.(伤亡者)
Swine flu contains genetic elements from humans and birds as well as from pigs.It seems to spread among people more easily than past swine flus,which sometimes jumped from pigs to people.
Pigs are considered particularly susceptible（易受影响的）to both bird and human viruses.They are a likely place for genetic change that might lead to a new form of flu that spreads easily.
【小题1】The passage is mainly about___________.
| A．measures to control swine flu |
| B．different opinions about dealing with swine flu |
| C．people’s reaction to swine flu |
| D．a brief introduction to swine flu |
| A．Swine flu doesn’t have any effect on the US |
| B．Genetic elements make a change when pigs are harmed by bird and human viruses |
| C．Scientists know how to deal with swine flu |
| D．Swine flu is transmitted from pigs to humans |
| A．Swine flu can cause deaths |
| B．It is not the first time that swine flu has appeared |
| C．The number of suspected cases is increasing |
| D．Pigs take revenge on Mexicans because many of pigs are killed |
