Four Swine Flu Cases In Escambia County

June 13, 2009

There are four confirmed cases of swine flu in Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Health Department.

The affected adults have been given the appropriate medication and are isolating themselves to avoid spreading the disease, health officials said.

“Evidence indicates that the risk to the general public is low,” said Health Department Director Dr. John Lanza. “Disease investigators are talking with individuals who have been in close contact with the infected adults and have not yet identified additional cases.”

The virus is believed to be circulating widely in Florida and the nation. Most people who have become ill with novel H1N1 in the U.S. have not become seriously ill and have recovered without hospitalization.

Escambia County (FL) Health Department officials believe that the threat of widespread illness from H1N1 Flu (swine flu) in Escambia County is low. To stop the spread of any disease, residents should:

  • Stay home from work or school when sick
  • Contact their physician or health care provider if they experience cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting
  • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill
  • Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or upper sleeve — not onto hands — and put used tissue in the waste basket

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people report diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu. Like seasonal influenza, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Comments

2 Responses to “Four Swine Flu Cases In Escambia County”

  1. Century girl on June 13th, 2009 10:25 pm

    Ditto for the Esc Cty Health Dept in Century as well. There are certain services such as a health dept that communities should have. It may save cents but doesn’t make sense!

  2. Dixie on June 13th, 2009 8:56 pm

    Just more reason that the Molino Health Dept needs to be opened back up 5 days a week. Not just once a month for all services.