Story Published: Apr 26, 2009 at 9:15 AM PST
Story Updated: Apr 26, 2009 at 9:32 AM PST
On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security declared a public health emergency because of the spread of the deadly virus to California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and New York. 20 cases had been confirmed in the U.S. as of Sunday morning.
Idaho health officials said they are advising people who have recently traveled to the following locations and who are experiencing respiratory illness consistent with influenza to contact their health care provider. The locations are:
• San Diego or Imperial Counties in southern California
• Guadalupe County, Texas, which is the San Antonio area
• Mexico.
The swine flu infections in the United States have produced mild illnesses so far, but CDC officials said in a press conference Sunday that that is expected to change, that more cases would be diagnosed and that cases that are more serious would develop.
Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, which includes headaches, body aches, coughing and fever. Additionally, swine flu could cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. All of the people reported ill from California and Texas have recovered.
Seasonal influenza has been declining in Idaho since mid-March, although there continues to be some reports of flu-like illnesses. People are advised to practice healthcare precautions that include:
1. Wash your hands after being out in the public, or after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
2. Cover your cough or sneeze, or cough into your elbow
3. If you are sick, stay home from work or school. Protect your co-workers and friends. Don’t travel when you are sick
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
No travel advisory has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor any major quarantine action taken. The CDC did issue an Outbreak Notice for central Mexico to alert travelers of the situation that may be occurring.
For the latest information: www.cdc.gov
