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Memphis, TN. - The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department is working closely with the Tennessee Department of Health lab in identifying the second probable case of the novel H1N1 virus (swine influenza) in the state. The specimen will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm preliminary results.
"The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department is continuing to proactively respond to this public health emergency, "said Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton. "We are continuing to be in communication with state and federal health officials which is consistent with our earlier approaches of expanded testing and increased surveillance in order to detect human cases of swine flu in Shelby County. It is likely that more cases may be identified due to these stepped up efforts; however, we are prepared to handle this public health emergency."
The patient is a Shelby County resident, who is receiving treatment for symptoms at home, is recovering from the illness, and has a good prognosis. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department is working with local officials to identify and provide antiviral medication to the patient's family and high risk close contacts. Anyone identified as a close contact of the patient will be notified. Consistent with CDC guidelines and recommendations, the school where the student attends, has been dismissed and will remain dismissed for at least seven days. All school associated activities will also be cancelled.
"While we want citizens to be informed about this virus, we also want to caution against panic," said Helen Morrow, chief medical officer at the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department. "Given that, we want to continue to emphasize that people practice good hygiene by washing their hands frequently, coughing into their sleeve or a tissue, and if you're sick, stay at home. This is the best information you can use to protect yourself and your family's health."
As of the date and time of this release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 91 human cases of this strain of flu infection in the U.S. The most current information, as well as a state-by-state breakdown, can be found on the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
Essential Practical Health Tips to Follow:
Tennessee residents who think they may be ill with the flu or flu-like illness should contact their health care provider. Symptoms of the illness are as follows: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department recommends frequent hand washing with warm soapy water, covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue, staying at home if you are ill, and keeping hands away from your face, eyes and mouth. For more information about the current flu outbreak, visit the Shelby County portal at http://shelbycountytn.gov. Additional information is also available at the CDC's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
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