UPDATE: Five probable cases of H1N1 flu reported in Wisconsin

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State and local health officials reported that five probable cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin (swine flu) have been found in Wisconsin.

Two cases were found in the City of Milwaukee – one adult and one child – and a third case Adams County. One is reported in Sheboygan County and another in Ozaukee County.

“These laboratory-reported cases indicate that it is probably that swine flu is active in Wisconsin and serves as a reminder to everyone to take reasonable precautions if they haven’t already done so,” said Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer. “I would like to thank both the City of Milwaukee Health Department and statewide partners for being so vigilant as we track this new influenza virus. We also are investigating other reports of ill patients and our work in this area will go on.”

Foldy noted that symptoms of swine flu include:

Fever

Headache

Dry cough

Sore throat

Nasal congestion

Body aches and/or tiredness

In some cases, nausea and diarrhea

In the U.S., the illness ranges from very mild to severe cases, and in some instances, hospitalization. One swine flu-related death has occurred in the state of Texas in a 22-month-old child.

Two anti-viral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, appear to be effective in treating swine flu. The virus is sensitive to these two medications.

CDC is currently reporting 91 confirmed human infections with this virus in the United States. Human infections with this new virus have been confirmed in 10 states at this time.

Some ways to stay healthy and to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu include:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover your cough or sneeze with your upper sleeve. If you use a tissue, throw it away after one use.

Use your own drinking cups and straws.

Avoid being exposed to people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.

Stay home when you are sick.

Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.

Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (i.e., door knobs, refrigerator handle, telephone, faucets)

To learn more about swine influenza, visit http://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.

Tags: news, swine, flu, pandemic, wisconsin