Virginia reports its first two cases of swine flu

The Virginia Department of Health has received confirmation of the state's first two cases of swine flu. State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said tonight that the patients are an adult male from eastern Virginia and an adult female from central Virginia. Each had traveled to Mexico, both had mild illnesses and are recovering well, and neither required hospitalization. Neither is a student.

By: | Times-Dispatch
Published: May 01, 2009

The Virginia Department of Health has received confirmation of the state's first two cases of swine flu.

State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said tonight that the patients are an adult male from eastern Virginia and an adult female from central Virginia.

Each had traveled to Mexico, both had mild illnesses and are recovering well, and neither required hospitalization. Neither is a student.

Remley said additional cases in Virginia are likely, given the size of the state's population, seasonal travel patterns and the ease with which the flu virus is spread.

Remley said the current outbreak of H1N1 influenza, also called swine flu, is caused by an influenza A virus not previously detected in humans or animals.

Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu and typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills and fatigue. People with H1N1 flu are contagious for up to seven days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic.

Remley advised anyone with these symptoms to protect themselves, their families and their neighbors by:

-- staying home from work or school and limiting their contact with others to keep from infecting them

-- calling their health-care providers or local health department before seeking care so that the necessary infection control measures can be put in place

--covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after use

-- washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze; alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective

--limiting close contact with sick people

--preventing the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth

The state has set up an information line for anyone with questions or concerns about the flu outbreak.The number is (877) ASK-VDH3, or (877) 275-8343. Today, 750 people called the hot line, which will be open Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The state health department Web site has more information at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/

MORE INFORMATION

• Read more in our special report

• Follow our coverage of the swine flu

• Get more information from the Virginia Department of Health