Virus

—Last June, the United Nations' World Health Organization, responding to an outbreak of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, boosted the pandemic alert to the highest level, Phase 6, meaning that a pandemic was under way. It was the first time in 41 years that the organization had taken that declared step. But the outbreak appears to have ended less like the rogue wild boar that WHO bureaucrats predicted and more like a roasted pork tenderloin with apples and sage. In fact, the WHO repeatedly violated Sherlock Holmes' warning, "It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence."

There is obviously a mob-mentality virus afoot in the current partisan political climate ("Roberts right to chastise Obama for State of Union jab," Readers respond, March 12). A common symptom of this disease is the use by its victims of the ugly attack language often spread by fans of far-right talk show hosts. Those who have contracted the virus often identify themselves as "most Americans" or "the American People." I wonder if there is any precedent in U.S.history for an out-of-power political party to openly attack, undermine by nefarious means, and actively seek candidates to replace a sitting president duly elected by the majority of the voting public less than two years ago. Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution of the United States describes treason, and U.S. Code article 2385 explains current law regarding sedition, both of which point to "advocating the overthrow of government," towards which anti-government gatherings are in danger of approaching, it seems to me. Elizabeth Goldsborough, Owings Mills

The nearly year-old H1N1 influenza pandemic that disproportionately affected children and mobilized millions to line up for vaccination seems to have finally abated, and officials estimate that it has killed fewer people than die even in a typical flu season. Public health officials remain cautious and say another wave of this novel and unpredictable virus could surface before the season's typical end in May, or even after. They are still recommending vaccine for people who haven't received inoculations against the virus.

MIAMI - -Social networkers of the world, it's time to amp up your security software and put on your cynical cap before clicking on friend requests and links to "funny videos." Facebook and Twitter will be the top targets for cyber attacks in 2010, according to several security firms. Networks like Facebook are a gold mine of information for identity theft scams. You may have stumbled upon a cyberattack or two before on Facebook. It's usually an inbox message from someone you don't talk to often, with the message: "Hey is this you in this video?

When is a cold not a cold? The answer could be when it is fifth disease, according to Dr. John Cmar, an infectious disease specialist at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Even if you've never heard of this virus, chances are good that you have been - or will be - exposed to it, often without even knowing it. More than 70 percent of adults have had it at some time during their lives. Fifth disease is human parvovirus B19. It is most commonly associated with young children, although adults, too, can contract it. It is also called "slapped cheek disease" because in children, a rash often appears on the face, making it look as though the cheeks have been hit. It lasts between one and two weeks, but sufferers often feel better before then.

Two more people in Maryland have died of swine flu, bringing the state's tally of deaths associated with the H1N1 virus to 12, state health officials said Wednesday. The two who died were unrelated adults from the Baltimore area with no underlying health problems. Officials confirmed that one of the dead was Walter Brooks Jr., 18, a graduate of North County High School in Glen Burnie, who died Oct. 21. Maryland is among 46 states nationwide where the virus is widespread, contributing to 279 hospitalizations statewide.

President Barack Obama declared the swine flu a federal emergency over the weekend. Has the government's response to the H1N1 virus been satisfactory so far? Yes 27% No 64% Not sure 9% (790 votes, results not scientific) Next poll: : Should Mayor Sheila Dixon sign a City Council-approved bill expanding the areas of Baltimore where restaurants and bars can offer live music and other types of performances? Vote at baltimoresun.com/vote