Tulsa World: Oklahoman catches swine flu

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Oklahoman catches swine flu
The woman had been to Mexico; she is expected to recover.

By KIM ARCHER World Staff Writer
Published: 5/6/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 5/6/2009 3:25 AM

A Pontotoc County woman who recently returned from Mexico has become Oklahoma's first person with a confirmed case of swine flu, state health officials announced Tuesday.

The woman began having flu symptoms after returning from a trip to Mexico, but did not require hospitalization and is expected to make a full recovery, they said.

"We expected that eventually there would be a confirmed case of H1N1 flu in Oklahoma, so this is no surprise," Gov. Brad Henry said in a news release. "The confirmation of a case in the state means residents should be cautious, but not fearful."

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 403 cases of the swine flu in 38 U.S. states as of early Tuesday. Oklahoma's case had not yet been included in that count.

Tulsa County Health Department Director Gary Cox noted that "there is no vaccine to prevent this new flu, and the current flu vaccine used to prevent seasonal influenza will not provide protection against H1N1 flu."

State and local public health officials monitored the Pontotoc County woman's case to limit exposure to others as test results from the CDC were pending, he said.

"Individuals who have been in contact with the patient are being interviewed and will be tested if necessary," Cox said.

A number of Pontotoc County schools reported they are preparing for swine flu just as they prepare for a typical flu season.

"Right now, we're sending out a letter that lists the symptoms. We're cleaning desks and doorknobs, just as we do during the seasonal flu," said Pat Harrison, superintendent of Ada Public Schools.

Mike Martin, superintendent of Roff Public Schools, said his school system is keeping teachers and children aware of precautions such as covering their sneezes and coughs and washing their hands frequently.

Kevin Flowers, superintendent of Stonewall Public Schools, said his district is following the same protocols they use during any flu season.

"None of us here are in a panic mode," he said. "We don't take it lightly. We've stayed up on the crisis, and we're practicing all of the good measures."

Todd Crabtree, Byng Public Schools superintendent, said his district also is continuing its hygiene precautions.

"I know if one of my students had it, we would be notified," he said.

Cliff Johnson, Latta Public Schools superintendent, said he sought the counsel of the Pontotoc County Health Department.

"We have stuck with our plan of encouraging good hygiene among our staff and students and encouraging those who aren't feeling well to stay home," he said.

In an afternoon press conference, CDC Acting Director Richard Besser said the agency has changed its previous advice to schools to consider closure in the event of a confirmed swine flu case. Since most U.S. cases are not severe, school closure isn't necessary and can be very disruptive, he said.

"The points about personal preparedness and personal responsibility are critical," he said, including keeping sick students home from school for at least seven days.

A student at Deer Creek Public Schools in Edmond is awaiting CDC test results for swine flu. A statement posted on the district's Web site says Oklahoma County health officials have advised school officials to keep the school open.

The World Health Organization said 21 countries had 1,490 confirmed cases of swine flu as of Tuesday.

What is swine flu?

Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses reportedly have spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. one cannot get swine flu by eating pork.

For more information, go to tulsaworld.com/cdcswineflu or call the oklahoma hot line at (866) 278-7134. Phones are answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. monday through Friday.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; oklahoma State Department of Health

How to protect yourself from swine flu:

Wash hands often to protect yourself from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs are often spread when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand.

If you are sick, stay home from work, school and errands. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Source: Tulsa County Health Department

Swine flu symptoms

Fever greater than 100 degrees

Body aches

Coughing

Sore throat

respiratory congestion

And in some cases:

Diarrhea

Nausea

Vomiting

Source: Tulsa County Health Department

Kim Archer 581-8315
kim.archer@tulsaworld.com By KIM ARCHER World Staff Writer

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Oklahoma health officials confirm first swine flu case in state," which was published on 5/5/2009.

	Report Comment Eric, Tulsa (5/5/2009 9:59:18 AM) ... "Oklahoma is among only 14 states without a confirmed swine flu case." ... I almost wanna say that its because no one outside our state wants to visit here... especially if they're from south-of-the-border! ... But in all seriousness, hope we remain pig-free...um, swine flu-free. .. .
	Report Comment Arbythree, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:07:29 AM) Was just a matter of time. Hope it turns out not to be as bad as first reported.
	Report Comment Have that, America (5/5/2009 11:17:50 AM) this is such an overhyped media debocle. in the time that we have focused our national attention on something that has killed barely a handful of people millions have died globally from things like AIDS, cancer, drunk driving, murder, and starvation. pretty sure there are bigger things to be concerned about.
	Report Comment Bullhead, Nicut (5/5/2009 11:18:03 AM) yikes! Let's hope they stay on top of this! I'm glad I have my mask and gown on for protection!
	Report Comment Brenda Bridges, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:23:54 AM) I went to Mexico in 1995 and it was the filthiest place I had ever seen. I learned my lesson...visit and never go out of the United States. If you are dumb enough to go to Mexico...then take your chances. Even the water is not good enough even to bathe in!
	Report Comment allsum, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:24:02 AM) finally
	Report Comment Scooterman, (5/5/2009 11:32:48 AM) 38 states with reported cases for a total of just over 400. OK that means about 10 cases per state so why is this even a news story. Talk about creating fear and panic. If people would just wash their hands more frequently, keep their hands out of their eyes and mouths it would cut down on alot of sickness.
	Report Comment osuk8e, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:35:08 AM) the sky is falling! the sky is falling!
	Report Comment TtownTempest, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:43:19 AM) Brenda Bridges, that has to be one of the most ignorant statements i have ever read. i have been visiting mexico since 1987, and it is such a beautiful country with a lovely culture. the rich history of ancient civilizations is just one of the many reasons EVERYONE should experience it. from the mountain ranges to the ruins to the white sand beaches, the country has much to offer. this illness could have started anywhere - that's why they were so surprised when it started in north america - they weren't expecting it.
	Report Comment Graychin, Eucha (5/5/2009 11:48:19 AM) So far, at least, the swine flu doesn't seem to be particularly deadly. Let's hope it stays that way.
	Report Comment American Libertarian Movement, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:57:07 AM) Just a little FYI: Death toll: 13,000. (and change) The killer: The REGULAR seasonal flu that comes in a big wave twice every year. As it stands, it would take the swine flu 93 years to claim as many lives as the seasonal flu has claimed since January 1st.
	Report Comment American Libertarian Movement, Tulsa (5/5/2009 11:59:36 AM) TtownTempest obviously works for a travel agency which books trips to Mexico. Sorry but the pig doesn't fly tempest. The very FEW common tourist attractions have had the entire economies money poured into them to make them candy to the eye. The reality of 95% of Mexico is this: It's like floating down the sewer in a glass bottom boat.
	Report Comment Graybeard, Tulsa (5/5/2009 12:13:54 PM) MAYBE it turned out as a mild pandemic of flu. But I'd rather the CDC make a big deal out of a potential threat than to sweep it under the rug. We aren't out of the woods yet...it could mutate and re-emerge. An ounce of prevention......as they say.
	Report Comment Ric, Broken Arrow (5/5/2009 12:14:55 PM) Run Away...Run Away!
	Report Comment redbeard, Stillwater (5/5/2009 12:18:05 PM) My advice is to not vacation in Mexico. Spend your money right here in the USA.
	Report Comment Zoomin-in, Tea Town (5/5/2009 12:23:50 PM) According to some sources the H1N1 virus has origins in North Carolina at a pig factory next to chicken factory.
	Report Comment Dwight Schrute, (5/5/2009 12:30:20 PM) She should have listened to Biden and not gotten in any enclosed spaces i.e. a plane or car or bus. He is a visionary.
	Report Comment ajohnb, Jenks (5/5/2009 12:32:59 PM) TTownTempest, If Mexico is such a nice place, why are so many mexicans leaving there and taking up residence in the US legally or not??? Could it be that all you see are the "tourist" areas? I travel down their highways every year to go hunting and fishing and the interior is not anyway like you claim. And yes, many of the mexican police "shakedown" the tourists to allow you to driver "their" highways. Lots of $10.00 bills helps speed you on through.
	Report Comment fwjen, Sand Springs (5/5/2009 12:39:15 PM) We love Mexico and vacation as often as possible. We were even in Cancun in late January/early February... didn't get sick this trip either. In fact, we went down with sniffles and colds came home well. Wow, wonder if we were the culprits?!?!
	Report Comment seymore1965, Tulsa (5/5/2009 12:39:45 PM) The Mexican swine flu is nothing to worry about. Get your case of the flu as it comes around to your neighborhood and laugh it off. After all 38,000 people a year die from regular flu. Now those are the kind of deadly numbers you would really want to be a part of. Right?
	Report Comment Ric, Broken Arrow (5/5/2009 12:43:39 PM) Here's a little secret... Every time you touch a door knob at work, rub your eyes. Every time you flush a toilet, touch your face, every time you shake hands with someone touch your mouth... you will build up an immunity to H1N1.
	Report Comment QLC, (5/5/2009 12:52:34 PM) How many people die per year from smoking cigarettes? Where do we go to protect ourselves from that government subsidized monster?
	Report Comment FaithnHim, Crested Bute, (5/5/2009 12:53:46 PM) Is anyone really sure of the origin? Mexico? The Carolinas?...it's a guessing game right. Although, if it did originate in Mexico (as some experts would have us to believe) I'm sure not going to risk myself, my family, or my country to exposure just because I find the country side appealing to the eye...
	Report Comment Twilight in Paris, near the water in SE OK (5/5/2009 12:56:29 PM) Well thank goodness Oklahoma wasn't left out of the Swine Flu Pandemic...I was starting to think the Swine Flu didn't like us. Seriously...wash your hands and don't cough on people or sneeze on them and you should be fine. And take your vitamins...
	Report Comment Serenity, Tulsa (5/5/2009 1:12:03 PM) Finally is here but not more dangerous that the common flu , the lady who had it wasn't hospitalized and she is expected to make a full recovery. Some ignorant, xenophobic people like Brenda Bridges are turning public health concerns into a Mexico bashing fest. Shame on you. People like you make me be ashamed to be an Oklahoman. Mexico is a beautiful Country to visit with very nice and friendly people, I go there every year and I will continue to do it.

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