Owasso Man's Brother Infected With Swine Flu

By Craig Day, The News On 6

OWASSO, OK -- The swine flu has some people on edge, including one Owasso man.  He's not concerned so much about getting the illness himself, instead he's worried about a brother who contracted swine flu back home in Mexico.

Roberto Ponceino works at Baja Jack's Burrito Shack in Owasso.  In the restaurant business, there is always enough going on to keep you busy.  But, while he's busy working, Roberto's mind is thinking of home.  His younger brother has contracted the swine flu.

"Is he going to die, you know?  But, I feel he's going to be OK," said Roberto Ponceino.

When Ponceino heard news reports of the illness spreading through Mexico, making thousands sick and killing more than 150 people, he couldn't believe it.

"I watch that on the news, the Mexican news, the Spanish, and I saw it, but I didn't think it would ever be in my family, you know," said Roberto Ponceino.

When he found out his 17-year-old brother, Laonel, is among those with swine flu, his heart sank.

"I kind of cry and feel bad because I was watching the TV, and people are dying already," said Roberto Ponceino.

Roberto's brother got the illness while at college.  He's now recovering at home in a town just outside of Mexico City.

"Sometimes he kind of feels like he's going to fall on the floor, so that's why he went to a clinic.  I was crying, you know," said Roberto Ponceino.

Mexico City has closed schools, restaurants, theatres and many other public places.

Roberto hopes health workers in Mexico get control of the situation quickly and he prays for a full recovery for his brother.

"We trust in God that he is going to be OK," said Roberto Ponceino.

Roberto's brother is on medication right now.  He says they started treating the illness early, so they're hope that helps with recovery.