Anti-Latino comments regarding the H1N1 virus (swine flu) have spread as rapidly in the media as the illness.

Hardly a Mexican issue only, some in the national media are seeing it as a fresh way to inject racism into people's minds.

This hateful behavior -- although not evident locally -- has caught the attention of the Washington D.C.-based National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Last week, NAHJ issued this statement: "We have come to expect immigrant bashing from the usual suspects -- commentators who use purposefully inflammatory rhetoric to seek attention and to suit their agenda. And they haven't disappointed, now using the swine flu as cause to decry immigration and immigrants. Immigrants, of course, have long been favorite and convenient scapegoats for some for everything from high taxes to infectious diseases. Facts haven't much mattered."

Supporting the rhetoric, talk show hosts and television personalities have dubbed the virus as "fajita flu" and the "Mexican flu." Specifically, a Boston radio host has been suspended for calling Mexican immigrants "criminaliens" and emergency rooms "condos for Mexicans," prompting furious responses from Latino activist groups.

While those are isolated incidents, credible news sources have done their part to keep the community informed responsibly.

Mexicans, in particular, are just as concerned about the illness. Moreso, they worry about their families in Mexico.

At the state level, Indiana's Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs took the initiative to join forces with the Mexican Consulate to keep Hispanic media outlets informed.

This is a smart move. Cooperation between the two agencies is vital.

Not just for getting the correct information out but as a reminder to those trying to create racial turmoil -- including the media.