While the World Health Organization has determined that a global spread of swine flu is likely, folks in Illinois should be adequately protected. State officials yesterday reported nine probable cases in Northern Illinois, all which were mild in nature. Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, confirmed that state officials have been planning, preparing, and training for such a threat since 2001. And the department, while it is urging people not to panic, is doubling its stockpile of antiviral drugs. The city is also getting high marks on it's response. 

On her blog last night, the Tribune's Judith Graham posted a helpful interview with Dr. Mark Dworkin, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. The two outline the symptoms and what precautions people can take. If you still don't understand the risks, have a read.  Meanwhile, some are wondering if Vice President Biden is going to take some heat for these comments on NBC's Today.

On a lighter note, be sure to check out this "important announcement" from the Lt. Governor of Iowa, courtesy of David Letterman: