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Possible swine flu cases to be examined
Pike, Baldwin counties send in suspected samples
Published Monday, April 27, 2009
FROM STAFF REPORTS
While there have been no confirmed swine flu cases in Alabama, Pike County residents may not need to breathe a sigh of relief just yet.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has begun receiving samples of what might be swine flu from doctors around the state who suspect their patients could have the virus.
According to Assistant State Health Officer Charles Woernle, the state department’s lab has received several samples from Pike and Baldwin counties.
Although, it has not been confirmed as to exactly who in Pike County sent off the samples, Troy Regional Medical Center CEO Rusty Eldridge confirmed it did not come from the hospital.
Woernle said any confirmation would take a while because validated samples at the state level must be sent to the Center for Disease Control for final confirmation.
The receipt of specimens comes just a day after State Health Officer Don Williamson said Alabama had no swine flu cases, but it would only be a matter of time.
The virus has already spread rapidly across the United States, with 40 confirmed cases in the U.S., and the majority of those cases in New York City.
In Mexico, 150 people have died as a result of the virus and the World Health Organization has confirmed nearly 2,000 cases.
“A lot of people are wondering why the virus seems more severe in Mexico, and there are a couple of causes for that,” Williamson said. “The virus could have changes and weakened as it moves around the U.S.”
Another possibility, Williamson said is the virus is not widespread enough for everyone to see the devastation it is capable of causing.
While there have been no confirmed cases, Williamson said he was certain cases will be seen in Alabama.
“Given the fact that the disease has now spread to five or more states, I think we will almost certainly see cases in Alabama,” he said. “The good news is, however, that it has been a mild illness, and it is sensitive to drugs. Although there is not a vaccine for swine flu, we have 500,000 doses of treatment stockpiled in Alabama, so we are prepared to confront the virus.”
With an abundance of students, American and international, Troy University is preparing in case of an outbreak.
“At this point in time, we are just monitoring the situation very carefully,” said Dean of Services Herb Reeves. “We have had meetings concerning swine flu, and we are preparing ourselves in case of an outbreak.”
The university is following the guidelines of the Department of Public Health, and Reeves said the university will be sending out an e-mail to all of its students worldwide.
“All we can really do is warn people to take precautions against the swine flu,” he said.
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Comments
Posted by regis (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I read this morning the government is discouraging U.S. citizens from visiting Mexico to help keep this in check as much as possible here. How about they finally do something to keep "visitors" from Mexico from coming here illegally to mooch off our welfare and medicaid, and spread deadly diseases?
Posted by Virtuous (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
EXACTLY!!!!!!!
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree too Regis.
Years ago at Ellis Island....if someone was even coughing.....they were sent back to their country.
But if we did that now....and even though people sneaking into the US are not citizens....the liberal politicians would have a field day yelling about their "rights" being violated.
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
well I have been planning a cruise to mexico for months now and im leaving in a couple weeks..Im still going, some little flu bugs not going to stop me from my vacation..i need it too bad...:) cozumel here i come...
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's the spirit BeachGirl!
Like 9/11. Many people still refuse to fly because of that. But if it's going to happen it's going to happen and nothing we can do about it. Still have to enjoy life as we can.
Have a great time BeachGirl!
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks bamabunny!! i am so excited..and i work in the medical field also and this is NOT as bad as people are thinking right now...take flu meds for it and it goes away. I swear if anyone tries to cancel my cruise ive dropped TOO much money on, they will see one crazy girl...haha people freak out too easy..
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BeachGirl.....
I know you will have a safe journey and fantastic time!
Meantime.....ever heard of "Airborne"? I think it comes in nasal spray and helps protect from airborn bacteria from recycled air conditioning on a plane. Look into it because it may help keep you more immuned to anything and don't drink the water and keep the ice out of your drinks.
Posted by turtle (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's the spirit beachgirl! If we live our lives in fear of every single thing, imagine how much we miss out on! I have friends who work in media related fields and they have said the media is overdramatizing this, causing panic when in reality there is no need to do so (kind of like everything else). My friend compared it to shark attacks. To hear the media tell it, shark attacks were just rampant and you shouldn't even go to the beach a couple of years ago in Florida when the reality was yes there were a few incidents but not to the extreme the media made it out to be.
People need to think for themselves, and use good old fashion common sense!
Posted by regis (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No this is not a pandemic deadly event yet and hopefully will not become one. But what do your friends in the media say is being overblown? The CDC in Atlanta comment that it likely cannot be stopped from spreading or the United States Department of Health and Human Services officially declaring this a Public Health Emergency?
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone could be smacked by a bus if they step off the curb at the wrong time too.
I choose to be careful with things but not overly concerned unless there is direct evidence that this thing is spreading like wildfire and deadly and so far it is not like that.
Like turtle said "use common sense".
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ooookay so as of now until May 4th the ports of Mexico is closed...lol soo they say its precautionary but whatever..i just hope it lifts before the 18th...poop..
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well lets hope for the best BeachGirl <s>
Posted by plas2009 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IM SUPPOSE TO GO TO COZUMEL IN JUNE......I HOPE THIS IS OVER WITH AND GONE QUICK!!!! ;)
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
plas..they are offering an alternative itenerary to those affected if you end up being one..my carnival guy said if ours in 19 days is affected we'll be sent to Nassau Bahamas in stead or we can change dates completely, so at least theyre not leaving us out in the cold...
Posted by Bamabunny (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well that's good news BeachGirl <s> You'll like the Bahamas if you choose to go there.
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i just think people are unneccesarily freaking out. I work in a lab and ive had 5 people this morning ask me to test them for the swine flu. its ridiculous. if you get sick, take flu medicine. the only ones who should be seriously watched are infants/toddlers/geriatric/people with a suppressed immune system. the cdc says do not change travel plans as its no use since it has already spread. the world needs a chill pill...
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no need for snideness thegame but if anyone keeps up with the CDC (who btw knows more than the AAHSA AND the governor) they themselves have said this has caused unnecessay panic with the public. No american has died, the toddler that died was from Mexico City itself but was visiting. Im not saying it wont become a problem but all this has caused at the moment is undue panic and worry. Doctors and hospitals are being flooded with people who have NOTHING wrong with them while people who are actually sick have to wait. s
Posted by BeachGirl (anonymous) on April 30, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i never said anyone was stupid..and the messenger isnt where i get my information..i dont live in troy anymore, i live in baldwin county... if you read what said earlier 'im not saying it wont be a problem' but as of now it is not as bad as people are acting..
its bringing out alot of hypochondriacs at the moment...
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