I’m thinking we’re on the edge of full-blown hysteria about swine flu. It might be justified. I don’t have a clue. But more stories like this — about 12 “probable” cases in Benton County (that does not mean confirmed by any lab test, best I can tell) — and it won’t be long before everyone is hyperventilating. It probably doesn’t help to have Vice President Biden warning against riding subways or airplanes. (Clarification issued.)

Understand, I am not making light. Mexico has a real problem. Cases have been reported in Europe. Schools have been closed in Texas.

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I’m getting on a plane in a few minutes in any case. We shall see.

UPDATE: Not so fast, Benton County. All 12 cases are negative. Arkansas is still swine-flu free.

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