Swine flu hits Wisconsin.
State health officials identify two cases of "probable" swine flu (H1N1) in Milwaukee and one in Adams County. Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer, says there's no need to panic, because the odds of getting sick right now aren't very high.
"We are talking about three probable case out of what is now over 140 tests performed. So the risk for the average Wisconsinite is still probably very low."
Health officials are investigating reports of other ill patients. Several public schools in Milwaukee are ordered closed, but Foldy stresses that's just a precautionary measure, because kids might have been exposed to the virus. Foldy emphasizes common sense, good hygiene, and avoiding human contact if you feel sick. — Just stay home.
"Businesses and schools should really, at this point, be actively encouraging sick employees to stay home and should understand when somebody calls in saying that they have respiratory symptoms."
Foldy adds businesses should have a plan of action in the event of a school closing, forcing employees to stay home with their children. The World Health Organization on Wednesday raised its pandemic alert to Level 5, its second-highest level.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- and in some cases nausea and diarrhea.
To learn more about swine influenza, visit pandemic.wisconsin.gov
The list of states with the numbers of people who are confirmed cases is updated daily at 11am at www.cdc.gov/swineflu .