Health officials stress awareness as swine flu hits Isabella County
With Isabella County's first case of the H1N1 flu found last week, health officials are laying off on official testing and taking more precautions against the nationwide pandemic.
Dr. Robert Graham, medical director for the Central Michigan District Health Department, said since the case of swine flu had been detected in Isabella County, laboratory testing for the disease has decreased.
"We know that swine flu is here. We're not going to recommend testing for everyone," he said. "We probably have a lot more cases that the ones that have been confirmed."
As of Tuesday, the World Health Organization confirmed more than 12,950 cases worldwide. The death toll from swine flu in Mexico is currently at 83, and 12 in the U.S.
Dr. Sarah Yonder, physician for University Health Services, said even before the case was confirmed last week, her office in Foust Hall had been taking the swine flu pandemic seriously. She said when the case in Isabella County was confirmed, she wasn't alarmed.
"I think we were already in that mode before it hit the county," Yonder said. "We were already in high alert."
Yonder said Health Services has gotten several inquiries about the swine flu virus. She said they mostly have been questions about symptoms and contact with family members who have traveled to infected regions, such as Mexico. She said people call and ask if contact with these people is acceptable.
Graham said the disease is currently responding to regular flu vaccines, and the patient confirmed with swine flu was doing well.
"It's currently being treated with antivirals," he said. "It's been susceptible to the antivirals"
He also said the virus is being closely watched for any mutations that may occur. As of Friday, Graham said he was unaware of any mutations in the swine flu virus in Isabella County.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorized $1 billion to develop a vaccine for the swine flu. That vaccine is something, Graham said, the CMDHD would be interested in acquiring, even with it's projected high cost.
"We haven't had anyone ask for a vaccine," he said. "There is quite an expense because of the safety procedures manufacturers go through to make the vaccine. It takes about six months for a vaccine (to be created)."
Darcie Suderman, public relations director for Central Michigan Community Hospital, said CMCH has been monitoring the flu cases closely.
"We're working very closely with the Central Michigan District Health Department," she said.
Yonder said students can prevent the disease by continuing to wash their hands frequently and to avoid large crowds if they are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms.
"I don't think we should be fearful, just careful," she said. "I don't think they'll be needing to do anything special."
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