The chairman of the Metropolitan King County Council called for a briefing Monday, April 27, from officials of Public Health — Seattle and King County on the current situation and latest developments in the international swine flu outbreak.

“With health officials around the world mobilizing to investigate and control this new type of swine influenza, we need to know what can and is being done to monitor for the disease and prepare for any response that may be needed,” said Councilman Dow Constantine, who contacted Public Health officials on Sunday.

“In this era of global travel and the rapid spread of emerging diseases, we must be vigilant about protecting public health,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the King County Board of Health.