KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Two in Dickinson County Test Positive for Swine Flu
Member Center:
By Chris Durden (TOPEKA, Kan.)
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirms two cases of swine flu in Kansas.
The two people are a husband and wife from Dickinson County. The KDHE says one of the patients recently traveled to Mexico, flying in and out of Wichita. Both people work in Saline County. Neither of the patients was hospitalized - one is still ill and being treated. The other is recovering.
The couple has the same strain of swine flu that's killed dozens in Mexico and sickened thousands in that country, California and Texas. The head of the World Health Organization says the outbreak has "pandemic potential," and it may be too late to contain the outbreak.
"It's not yet known whether this will become the next flu pandemic," says Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of the KDHE Division of Health. "We are working closely with health agencies at all levels and are continuing to monitor these cases. We are taking this situation very seriously."
New York officials announced Saturday that eight students there probably have swine flu, but they're unsure of strain type.
Click here to learn more about the swine flu and get answers to some frequently asked questions.
KDHE and the Dickinson County Health Department are investigating the sources of exposure, and efforts are being coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People who have been in contact with the patients are being interviewed and tested. Local health departments and hospitals in Kansas are receiving information about the virus.
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
People who experience these symptoms should contact their physician, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:
The KDHE Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology received a report of unusual flu-like illness from Dickinson County Friday afternoon. Samples collected from both patients were sent to the KDHE.
Early Saturday morning, preliminary results were positive for influenza A viruses. KDHE notified the Dickinson County Health Department, which notified the attending physician.
KDHE used Governor Sebelius' plane to transport the samples to the CDC labs in Atlanta for further tests.
Swine flu infections in humans are rare, but are related to close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig production barns and livestock exhibits at fairs. Neither of the current patients in Kansas reported having contact with pigs.
