# 3035
The economic impact of a pandemic, even a relatively mild one, is likely to be huge. Already Mexico is seeing the first inklings of what a pandemic might mean.
Yesterday, on the last leg of my drive back from Missouri, I drove through Orlando Florida. I passed Universal Studios, Disney World, Sea World, hundreds of tourist hotels and restaurants, and a city of more than 2 million people who are largely dependent upon the tourist trade.
One can’t help but wonder how these, and thousands of other industries, would fare during a prolonged global health scare.
This story comes from the Associated Press.
Mexico City cancels all public events to fight flu
By MARK STEVENSON
Associated Press WriterMEXICO CITY (AP) -- A deadly new swine flu strain that has killed at least 20 people in Mexico City and sickened more than 1,000 has "pandemic potential," the World Health Organization chief said Saturday - but some fear it may be too late to contain the outbreak.
With 24 new suspected cases of the swine flu reported Saturday, Mexico City said schools would remain closed and all public events suspended until further notice - including more than 500 concerts, sporting events and other gatherings including the popular weekly bicycle rides on streets closed to traffic.
A hotline set up the previous day fielded 2,366 calls from frightened city residents who suspected they might have the disease. City Health Secretary Armando Ahued said 10 new possible cases of infection have been discovered in the metropolis of 20 million people.
Officials say more than 1,000 people have been infected nationwide. Tests show 20 people have died of the swine flu, and 48 other deaths were probably due to the same strain.
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