A Bug By Any Other Name…

ABC News’ Stu Schutzman reports:

"Swine flu" is getting a makeover. The term is apparently bad for business. The World Health Organization has officially changed its reference. "Rather than calling this swine flu," says the WHO, "we’re going to stick to the technical scientific name H1N1."

The WHO stressed there’s no danger for pork eaters. And after a chorus of protest from the pork industry, the President called it H1N1 and the rest of the government is considering following suit.

Swine flu is on its way out, H1N1 in. Although the Centers for Disease Control, on its official website, still identifies the bug both ways — "H1N1 flu(swine flu)."

“The name swine flu might be catchy," says Pork News, "but it’s not accurate and it’s causing unnecessary problems and concerns." That would be among wary consumers of pork including importing nations who are getting a little leery of the other white meat.

The concern has spread across international borders to religious and ethnic groups. Some Jews and Muslims, who are prohibited from eating pork, are intrinsically sensitive to the term. Change it, said and incensed Israeli Deputy Health Minister, who is a member of  an ultra religious party. Why not call it "Mexican Flu" he asks?  That, of course didn’t sit too well with the Mexican Ambassador who is promoting the term "North American Flu."

Why not stop the bickering and concentrate on stopping the spread of this virus, whatever it’s called.