Tuesday, 05 May 2009 00:06

Swine Flu In California

slide1.pngAmador County – Amador County health officials confirmed Sunday evening the first probable positive case of swine flu in Amador County. Health Officer Robert Hartmann announced that the H1N1 influenza case is an individual who recently returned from Mexico and “exhibited flu like symptoms the following day.” Official results need to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control or the California State Public Health Lab, but preliminary results indicate the diagnosis is accurate. “This individual contacted Amador County Public Health the day after returning from Mexico and followed specific Health Department advice,” said Dr. Hartmann, adding: “Voluntary home isolation was followed ensuring minimal local contact.” Saturday evening, officials in El Dorado County received confirmation of a positive swine flu case in a child who attends Camino School. Health officials area awaiting confirmation test results for two other probable cases in other students. That school will be closed through at least Friday, May 8 as a result of the confirmed case. “I’m relieved that this case (in Amador County) did not involve school children, teachers or staff. We do not need to have any school dismissals,” stated Dr. Hartmann. According to a release issued Sunday, “Amador County Public Health will continue heightened surveillance efforts for early detection and identification. For the most part, the Swine flu illness has been mild in the cases identified and very few individuals have needed hospitalization.” Public Health continues to work closely with other local health services and local government. Visit TSPN’s website for an interview with Dr. Hartmann about the case. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.