2 'Probable' Cases Of Swine Flu In Newberry, SC

NEWBERRY, S.C. -- South Carolina health officials said they have identified two “probable” cases of swine flu in the state and a private school headmaster said those are linked to a student trip to Mexico.The announcement from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control said more testing will be conducted at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Word of the probable cases comes a day after a private school in Newberry closed because some students felt ill after a trip to Mexico, where there has been an outbreak of swine flu.Newberry Academy Headmaster Bob Dawkins said Tuesday health officials told him one of his students probably had the illness and the other probable case involved a friend of that student.

Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2009

DHEC update regarding swine flu

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has received lab results for the suspect cases of swine flu, the agency announced today.

“Of the viruses sampled, two were type A, unsubtypable. That means, because this is a novel virus, we will assume that these two cases that were tested at the lab do have the new swine flu virus and these will now be considered ‘probable cases,’ so they are being sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further evaluation and testing,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “We expect that those who are sick to voluntarily isolate themselves for a short time, and those who were exposed should voluntarily quarantine themselves at home. DHEC will assure those in isolation will receive appropriate treatment.

“These steps are asked not only to help exposed and infected citizens, but also to protect others from exposure and illness, and to prevent further spread,” Dr. Gibson said. “Isolation and quarantine are used to protect your family, friends, and others from the virus.”

Gibson said that you should wash your hands frequently, cover your cough and sneezes with your sleeve (not your hand), and if you have signs or symptoms of Influenza, you should avoid crowds and if your symptoms become severe you should contact your health care provider.

• There will be a media availability session today from noon to 1 p.m. at DHEC’s Mills/Jarrett complex (Jarrett building at the old state hospital complex – enter the complex at the corner of Bull and Elmwood; right at the stop sign; right at the last parking entrance. There will be an update and opportunity for media ask questions of staff from DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. No appointment necessary.
• Updates with audio from yesterday’s session have been posted to: http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm.
• We have also posted information on the Web regarding frequently asked questions that might help you with your stories.