Idaho gets first probable case of swine flu

The Idaho State Laboratory sent Idaho's first probable case of swine flu to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Thursday for confirmation.

The patient is a Kootenai County woman in her 60s who recently traveled to Texas. So far, 38 other lab samples have tested negative. With probable Idaho lab results, public health officials will work with the infected person and their healthcare provider for continued care, and implement strategies to reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to other people. If needed, immediate family members or close contacts also will be offered medications that can reduce the severity of possible illness and the probability of transmitting swine flu to other people. "We are not surprised to find a probable case of swine flu in our state, and even though it is not confirmed, we want to exercise caution and keep people informed," says Dr. Christine Hahn M.D., Idaho State Epidemiologist. "We will continue to aggressively monitor flu-like illnesses and may see additional cases. But this doesn't change our message: wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and stay at home when you are sick." District Health Departments continue to investigate new reports of possible swine flu infection throughout the state. People who have a recent travel history to areas affected by swine flu and who are suffering from flu symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and cough are asked to contact their healthcare provider. People who have no travel history should call their healthcare provider if their symptoms are severe enough that they would normally warrant a visit to their doctor. People who do not have any symptoms cannot be tested for swine flu. Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. People cannot contract the infection from eating pork.