Reaction to Swine Flu

Earlier today, President Obama called for "a heightened state of alert" regarding swine flu, prompting the European Union to warn travelers "to stay away from Mexico and the US."

The European Union's health chief urged people on Monday to avoid travelling to Mexico or the United States as the first suspected cases of swine flu were reported in Europe, heightening fears of a pandemic.

Reportedly identified so far have been a couple thousand cases of swine flu in Mexico and a couple dozen in the U.S. It seems somewhat premature and an overreaction to advise people not to travel. I imagine the tourism industry is not happy.