contagion.jpg
In this image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Jennifer Ehle is shown playing a researcher trying to find a cure for a killer. virus in a scene from the film "Contagion." (AP Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Washington's health secretary says "Contagion" movie is very real

BY Josh Kerns  on September 12, 2011 @ 9:44 am (Updated: 11:04 am - 9/12/11 )

Related:
Talk about a horror movie. The global outbreak thriller "Contagion" topped the weekend box office and it prompted a lot of extra hand washing and increased hesitance to touch door knobs, hand rails, or just about anything else we all come in contact with. Of course it's prompting many to ask if the fictional story of an unknown virus spreading around the world in a matter of days can come true.

"What was rolling around in my mind was when SARS happened," Washington Secretary of Health Mary Selecky told Seattle's Morning News on 97.3 KIRO FM. "And then of course, there was H1N1 (commonly known as Swine Flu,) it was an unknown novel virus just like in the movie."

She said just like in the movie, we didn't know what it was or how to treat it, and we didn't have a vaccine. Of course, the big difference is 14 million die in the film (including superstars Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet.)

Selecky said "Contagion" does a good job of showing what public health experts do to try and identify and stop the spread of infectious diseases.

But she says the biggest outbreak we should worry about is what she calls an "epidemic of fear" that could cause rioting, looting, or other break downs in society. She said it was most recently on display amidst the worries of radiation spread after the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami that destroyed the Fukishima nuclear power plant. "That epidemic of fear sent people to grocery stores to empty shelves and things like that," she said.

Selecky said she can only take real issue with one part of the movie: a lone state health official, much like her, worries about who's budget would pay to set up an emergency medical facility.

"That's when my eyes rolled. That's when I literally and verbally groaned in the movie," she said.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
Related:
More Local News
Top Stories

  • Behind the Wheel
    Police are patrolling for distracted drivers today

  • Tax Exempt Robocalls
    What the IRS kerfuffle could mean for the Tea Party and other political organizations

  • Chart Toppers
    Fresh voices & seasoned stars hit the red carpet of the Billboard Music Awards
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (6)


  • Add A Comment

  • Newton wrote...
    Everybody Knows this is a Con Movie.
    September 12, 2011 10:17 am
    Trying to scare the Public. Into taking the Death Vaccines.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • tlmbrt wrote...
    Wish
    September 12, 2011 8:55 pm
    you would take the Death Vaccine.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mudslngr1 wrote...
    We do live
    September 12, 2011 10:48 am
    in an extreamly knee jerk society when it comes to fear. Unfortunatly, both political parties use that as a tool to influense people and the decisions they make.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Stevebo wrote...
    Not even remotely interested in watching this movie
    September 12, 2011 11:22 am
    Despite the fact that it has several actors in it that I like quite a bit.

    Perhaps it's because the movie tries to mimic "reality" too much? I don't know for sure.

    I just know that I won't be among the people going to see it... or rent it when it comes out on video. Maybe when it comes to HBO or something. Maybe.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • otherpointofview wrote...
    get ready
    September 12, 2011 3:47 pm
    i got my bug out bag and survival bracelet on...when $HTF all i have to say is be ready folks... don't rely on big brother.. look what happened in Katrina
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Loving Life wrote...
    What the Hey!!! Spoiler alert next time.
    September 12, 2011 6:54 pm
    ...(including superstars Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet.) I haven't seen the movie yet (Working!) and I didn't know about Winslet kicking the bucket. Next you're going to tell me that this movie will morph into a TV show on FOX. With singing high schoolers and modern type families. Geez....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }