June 13, 2009 11:08 pm
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By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
PARSONS, Kan. — Two Labette County residents are recovering at home after being diagnosed with the H1N1 A influenza virus, local and state officials said Saturday.
The two cases of the virus, commonly known as “swine flu,” are the first to be reported in Southeast Kansas, and bring the statewide total to 100, according to officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Geary County in central Kansas has confirmed 25 cases involving nine adults and 16 children.
The two individuals went to Labette Health ExpressCare in Parsons on Wednesday for treatment, according to Stella Clark, vice president of patient services.
“They came with the symptoms to our express care, and were treated and released to home,” she said.
Samples sent to the state Health Department returned a positive test for swine flu on Friday, Clark said.
“We hope not to see more cases but the potential is there,” she said. “I’ve talked with several concerned citizens today, and encouraged them to watch for symptoms. If symptoms come out, they can go to the hospital or their own physician.”
Clark said that while the virus is a serious illness that can potentially be fatal, it can also be treated with the same means used to fight more common flu strains.
“What we do is just try to keep people knowing what symptoms are,” she said. “Most people want to think influenza is stomach-related, and it can be that. But most often it’s body aches, fever, and respiratory congestion. When you have those, it’s best to go in and get checked out.
The World Health Organization declared a global influenza pandemic on June 11. More than 27,000 cases and approximately 150 deaths in over 70 countries.
The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.
Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their health-care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus, but there are effective treatments available once the infection is diagnosed.
As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take steps to reduce spreading it, including thoroughly washing hands, staying home from work when sick, and coughing or sneezing into an elbow or a tissue.
The state Health Department also noted that the virus is not transmitted by eating pork or pork products.
Health hot line
The Kansas Department of Health and the Environment has established a phone number for concerned Kansans to call with questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus . The toll-free number is 1-877-427-7317. Operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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