Scioto County Health Department
Portsmouth City Health Department

Contact: Dr. Randall L. Schlegel, D. C., Emergency Planner
Telephone: 740-352-5778
E-mail: PCHD1@zoomnet.net

April 28th, 2009
Subject: Swine Influenza

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, the Ohio Department of Health confirmed Ohio’s first case of swine flu involving a 9 year old boy from Lorain County. Nationwide, as of April 28, 2009, there are 40 confirmed cases. It is important to note that everyone affected has recovered or is recovering without complications.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is recommending that anyone with flu like symptoms should stay home and not go out in public and stay home for at least 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after the symptoms have resolved which ever is longer. Persons who have flu like symptoms and wish to seek health care should contact their provider by telephone before going the clinic, office or hospital, Anyone having difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or believed to be severely ill, should seek immediate medical attention.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. As always, people should practice good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and warm water, use of alcohol hand sanitizer gels, cover your mouth or cough into your sleeve, throw your tissues away in the garbage after each use, stay home when you are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and limit contact with sick individuals.

The number of swine flu cases will likely increase, however, the indiscriminate use of anti-virals (Tamiflu and Relenza) are not recommended as it can cause the virus to become resistant.

For additional information, call the Scioto County Health Department at 740-354-3241 or the Portsmouth City Health Department at 740-353-5153. Both Health Departments can be reached after hours in an emergency at 740-352-2560. Detailed information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. The Ohio Department of Health Public Information number for swine flu information is: 1-866-800-2560 and is operational from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

If you have recently returned from travel to California, Texas, New York or Mexico, and had the symptoms of sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, or 100 degrees or higher fever, within one week of returning home, please contact your local health department.

Additional Information

Ohio Department of Health: www.odh.ohio.gov

Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov