Texas County Health Department is taking significant steps to deal with a new strain of swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, which has prompted federal officials to declare a nationwide health emergency.
Missouri received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control on Friday that a woman in Platte County who recently traveled to Mexico had tested positive for the swine flu. A second case has also been confirmed with several more classified as probable.
“We have been planning for the possibility of a major flu outbreak for several years, and we are now putting that plan into effect,” said Jackie Smith, administrator at the health department. “We are working closely with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and local medical providers to detect any possible cases in our area. Currently no cases have been reported, but we are ready should cases occur in our county.”
The health department is also working with other community partners on strategies to protect the local community. The group met Friday night to discuss the flu situation and activities the health department has put into place. Active surveillance has been increased locally and as flu cases are reported, they are entered into the state reporting system daily rather than weekly. Surveillance information is received locally from nursing homes, schools, daycare centers and the hospital. Contacts typically occur weekly but when there are concerns about a threat to the health of the public contact occurs more frequently.
Missouri has stockpiled enough antiviral medications to treat more than 600,000 cases of swine flu. Those medications have now been distributed to each county in the state, including Texas.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People do not normally get swine flu. But once it is transmitted to a person, it often can be spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
“There are basic measures that people can do to protect themselves, their families and communities from this virus,” said Carolyn Bell, R.N., communicable disease nurse at the health department.
Bell said people can limit the spread of swine flu by:
-Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it.
-Trying to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
-Staying home from work or school if you come down with the flu and limiting your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The symptoms are similar to the regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also report diarrhea and vomiting.
“If you have recently traveled to areas reporting swine flu cases or have been in direct contact with someone who has and have influenza-like symptoms, contact your health care provider,” said Bell. “Two common antiviral medications are available that are effective in fighting the virus and reducing the severity of flu symptoms.”