Health Dept Report on Swine Flu

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Brenda Kailing, PIO
Phone: 231-592-0130
Date: April 27, 2009 E-mail: bkailing@dhd10.org

Probable Swine Flu Case Reported in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced today that one probable swine flu case has been reported in Livingston County. State laboratory results showed that a 34-year-old woman has a probable case of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus. The state laboratory results will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today to determine if the case is positive. The woman, who recently traveled to the Texas and Mexico border, is recovering at home.

“We are monitoring the situation here in Michigan and we are informing all health care providers on what to look for when they evaluate and treat sick patients,” said Dr. James Wilson, Medical Director for District Health Department #10. “This probable case is not a cause for alarm but we do want people to be cautious. It is important that people cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and wash their hands frequently to help prevent the spread of germs. If people are sick, they should stay home from work or school.”

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a virus that may also infect humans. Symptoms are similar to regular seasonal influenza and include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. As with any flu, there is a possibility of worsening of underlying medical conditions, severe illness, or death.

As of 1:00 PM today, there have been 40 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. – 28 in New York City, 7 in California, 2 in Kansas, and 1 in Ohio, with a large outbreak in Mexico. U.S. cases have been mild with no deaths reported. Persons with symptoms of flu should contact their health care providers for possible testing and should report any recent travel. Persons traveling to affected areas should be aware of the risk of illness and take precautions to prevent infection.
Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food and people cannot catch it from eating pork products. Infection appears to spread from person to person, usually within 7 days after exposure to an ill person. There is currently no vaccine for swine flu, and the regular seasonal flu shot will not protect against it. Antiviral medications may help reduce illness if taken early.

The Health Department recommends the following:

As always, people with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wash your hands frequently, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Contact your health care provider if you are sick.

“We are receiving frequent updates from MDCH and we will provide you with additional information when it becomes available,” said Dr. Wilson. The CDC posts regular updates to its website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Information is also available on the Health Department website at www.dhd10.org. You may call your local county office of District Health Department #10 if you have questions. ###