posted April 30, 2009
Georgia health officials have confirmed the first swine flu case in that state.
Officials said the case involves a 30-year-old woman from Kentucky who had traveled to LaGrange. She had been in Cancun, Mexico earlier this month.
Gov. Sonny Perdue said, “Today’s confirmed case of the H1N1 flu in Georgia is a reason for precaution, not panic. I want to stress that it is an isolated case appearing in a woman visiting our state for an event who had also recently traveled to Mexico.
"The state of Georgia has worked diligently over the past several years to prepare for a situation like this, and we are partnering with local and federal officials to respond appropriately. I encourage Georgians to follow the advice of public health professionals and take the recommended precautions to protect themselves and their families. At this stage, the simplest things – washing hands and using disinfectants – can be the most effective safeguards. I am confident in our planning and preparation and our ability to respond over the coming days.”
The Tennessee Department of Health lab on Wednesday identified the first probable case of the novel H1N1 virus in the state, officials said Wednesday night. The specimen will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm preliminary results.
The patient is a Williamson County student, who attends Harding Academy in Nashville. The child is receiving treatment for symptoms at home, is recovering from the illness, and has a good prognosis, it was stated.
Officials said the child has no known connection with Mexico, where there reportedly have been more than 150 swine flu deaths.
Harding Academy is to remain closed until May 7. Several school events and field trips are canceled.
Then a case from West Tennessee at Collierville was discovered involving a student at Incarnation Catholic School. The school has been closed for a week.
“The Tennessee Department of Health is taking all necessary precautions in responding to this public health emergency,” said Gov. Phil Bredesen. “As diagnosis of the illness continues, we must following the guidance of the state and federal health officials by staying home when we are sick and practicing good hygiene by washing our hands frequently. These small steps will help slow the spread of this illness.”
And, after two probable swine flu cases were identified in Madison County, Ala., all public schools in Madison County, including Huntsville and Madison city schools, will be closed Thursday and Friday.
The two cases of probable swine flu were at Heritage Elementary School in Madison.
A number of private schools and daycare centers will also be closed in the Huntsville area.
Officials said the Tennessee Department of Health is working with local officials to identify and provide antiviral medication to the Williamson County patient’s family and close contacts. Anyone identified as a close contact of the patient will be notified by the Department.
“It’s important to note that more human cases of swine flu will be detected in Tennessee because of expanded testing and surveillance,” said State Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “People should be alert to developing news and information about this virus, but should not panic based on this probable case. The more you know, the more you can do to ensure your family’s health.”
Human cases of the H1N1 virus infection have been identified both in the U.S. and internationally. While this is the first probable case in Tennessee, new cases are being identified daily in other states and
counties.
The Tennessee Department of Health is conducting active surveillance to determine if any individuals in Tennessee have this strain of the influenza virus. The Department is also collaborating with U.S. Health and Human Services to ensure the state has adequate medical supplies and necessary medications on hand should they be needed.
As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 91 human cases of this strain of flu infection in the U.S. The most current information, as well as a state-by-state breakdown, can be found on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
Tennessee residents who think they may be ill with the flu or flu-like illness should contact their health care provider. Symptoms of the illness are as follows: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention
include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
The Department of Health recommends frequent hand washing with warm soapy water, keeping hands away from your face, eyes and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. These precautions can also help prevent the spread of other illnesses including the common cold.
For more information about the current flu outbreak, visit the Department of Health website at http://health.state.tn.us/swineflu.htm.
Additional information is also available at the CDC’s website at
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
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