Health department confirms swine flu case in Lackawanna County
Published: May 20, 2009
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share thisThe first case of swine flu in Lackawanna County was confirmed Tuesday by the state Department of Health.
Tests performed at a state laboratory revealed the probable case of the H1N1 virus reported Monday is a genuine incidence of the flu, spokeswoman Stacy Kriedeman said.
The Health Department will not reveal any information about the patient, including residence or the health care provider that reported the incident, she said.
Spokesmen for Community Medical Center and Mercy Hospital said Monday neither hospital has submitted samples to the state or the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Moses Taylor Hospital spokeswoman said Monday it is hospital policy not to comment on whether it has forwarded samples.
There are now 58 confirmed and three probable cases of the flu in Pennsylvania, the Health Department said Tuesday.
Ms. Kriedeman said local and state agencies treat probable cases of the H1N1 virus as if they were confirmed, so Tuesday's announcement of the confirmed Lackawan-na County case will not trigger a new response. She said people should stay vigilant about taking precautions like washing hands, covering coughs and staying home from work or school when ill.
"They are small things you can do, but they really do have a big impact on preventing the spread of disease," she said.
Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com
12 posted comments
I understand the whole PHI issue, but they could say the area in Lackawanna that is affected to lower the risk of spreading.
It could make folks a little more vigilant about seeing their MD. we are all freaking out about swine flu, but why don't we do it for the "seasonal flu" or cancer? They both kill thousands every year.
The odds in my opinion, though none of us like to deal in odds, are probably in my favor even if I did come in contact. Maybe I'll come in contact with someone who isn't visibly ill or hasn't reported thinking they have a little cold or something. It's not a sure thing that I'm next. My immune system is still at work here. I figure I'll help it work by watching my habits all the time, not just now. Mind you, immunocompromised people should be more vigilant and absolutely should call their doctor with questions and concerns. Again, I'm no doctor. I'm a mom who happens to be in the medical field. Just sharing opinions.
And to reader...yea, you're probably right. Sometimes the "cures" aren't all they're cracked up to be. You do the whole risk vs. benefit thing, I think.
Seriously, talk to your doctor if you're worried. That's what they do. I only responded before because there were some odd posts that would scare the dickens out of people. Giving my view for what it's worth. All the best.