The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD)
received confirmation that a Kane County resident has tested positive
for Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu). Several other suspect cases are
also being tested for the virus.
The H1N1 virus first detected in April, has become a growing
outbreak in the United States and other countries. It spreads from
person-to-person, most likely through coughs, sneezes and contact
with infected surfaces. Since this is a new virus, people have no
immunity against it and a vaccine has not yet been developed.
Fortunately, most people who become infected have recovered without
hospitalization. That was also the case in Kane County.
“You can prevent getting sick by good hand-washing”, says Susan
Little, nursing supervisor at the Kanab SWUPHD office. “Wash your
hands frequently, especially if you’ve been around sick people. Keep
your hands away from your eyes and face, and stay home if you are ill to
keep from spreading infection.”
People with severe flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, body
aches, and vomiting should contact their health-care provider to get
treatment recommendations, especially if there are pre-existing health
problems.
There are over 250 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Utah and one death. Updates on the flu outbreak can be accessed at www.swuhealth.org.
