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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)
This is the VOA Special English Health Report. Swine flu is a respiratory sickness caused by an influenza1 virus that mainly infects pigs. However, sometimes the virus can sicken humans. That is what has happened in Mexico in the last few weeks.
The virus is believed to have sickened at least two thousand people there. Mexican health officials suspect at least one hundred fifty-two people have died from swine flu. Many of those who died were young adults who were healthy before they became infected.
A woman from Mexico City and her Spanish friend wear face masks after arriving in Madrid on Tuesday
Mexico has suspended2 schools nationwide until at least May sixth. It has closed restaurants and churches. The government also cancelled large gatherings3 for sports, concerts and similar events. But many Mexicans have criticized4 the country's health measures. There are reports of seriously sick people being turned away from hospitals.
Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos says the government does not have enough health care workers for all the victims. But he says there is enough medicine to treat those who have swine flu.
The disease5 has spread to at least seven countries and is suspected in others. The United States has more than forty-eight confirmed cases in five states. But, no one has died from swine flu in this country. The United States declared a public health emergency to permit the use of federal6 money and the use of flu medicines in federal storage. American officials so far have released7 about twelve million treatments of Tamiflu and sent them to the states. They say additional8 supplies are available if needed. President Obama has said officials are being watchful9, not fearful10.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people to avoid travel to Mexico. But it has not suggested a ban.
Swine flu can cause fever, head and muscle pain, cough, sore throat and stomach problems. If you have any of those signs, do not go to work or school. The only place you should go is to the doctor.
There are simple ways to help prevent spreading the virus. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands with soap and water completely and often. Avoid contact with people who appear to be sick.
Also, get enough good food and rest. Your body's natural defense11 system needs to be at its strongest to protect you against disease.
And that's the VOA Special English Health Report, written by Caty Weaver12. I'm Doug Johnson.
1 influenza | |
n.流行性感冒,流感 | |
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2 suspended | |
a.被暂时搁置的 | |
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3 gatherings | |
聚集( gathering的名词复数 ); 收集; 采集; 搜集 | |
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4 criticized | |
vt.批评(criticize的过去式)v.评论,批评( criticize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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5 disease | |
n.疾病,弊端 | |
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6 federal | |
adj.联盟的;联邦的;(美国)联邦政府的 | |
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7 released | |
v.释放( release的过去式和过去分词 );放开;发布;发行 | |
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8 additional | |
adj.添加的,额外的,另外的 | |
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9 watchful | |
adj.注意的,警惕的 | |
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10 fearful | |
adj.惧怕的,担心的;可怕的,吓人的 | |
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11 defense | |
n.防御,保卫;[pl.]防务工事;辩护,答辩 | |
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12 weaver | |
n.织布工;编织者 | |
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