In an attempt to halt the rapidly diminishing demand for pork, the swine flu has been renamed–2009 H1N1. (Can anyone really see that catching on?)

But regardless of the name, if you’re like me you can’t help but watch the spread. Personally, I want to be the first to know if it’s popping up anywhere near my child’s preschool.

Currently there are 8 confirmed cases in the GTA - none in my home city of Toronto just yet. And the US has just confirmed their first 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) related death - a 23-month-old in Texas.

The best place we’ve found for worldwide updates is: http://healthmap.org/en

The map highlights the spread and you can click individual icons for related links in your area.