Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the U.S. in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas. Internationally, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in Mexico. As of 4/25/09 7:30 pm there were 11 confirmed cases in the U.S. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.
The swine flu outbreak could be very serious. As indicated in the two videos below and the information contained on the CDC web site - this is a situation that needs to be monitored closely.
In the midst of this potential 'crisis,' several firms might benefit. Shares of the two public companies — BioCryst Pharmaceuticals and Novavax — jumped Friday on news that the swine flu killed a reported 60 people in Mexico and has infected people in the United States.
Shares of BioCryst, a maker of drugs that block key enzymes in viral diseases, jumped more than 26 percent on Friday to $2.21 per share. Viral vaccine maker Novavax rose more than 75 percent to $1.42 per share.
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BCRX:NASDAQ)
LAST $2.21 CHANGE TODAY +0.46 26.29% VOLUME 461.6K
Novavax, Inc. (NVAX:NASDAQ)
LAST $1.42 CHANGE TODAY +0.61 75.31% VOLUME 1.6M
