Maricopa County Identifies Its First Case Of Swine Flu; Closes Elementary School For 7 Days, Arizona, USA

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Public Health;  Flu / Cold / SARS;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 29 Apr 2009 - 15:00 PDT

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The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Maricopa County Public Health Department (MCDPH) learned today that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a case of the Swine Flu in Arizona. An eight year old child residing in Maricopa County has been identified as having contracted Swine Flu and has since recovered.

Maricopa County Department of Public Health director, Bob England in accordance with CDC guidelines, has decided to close Moon Mountain Elementary School, Washington School District for seven days.

"This is the first case of Swine Flu here in Arizona, but not the last," said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa Department of Public Health. "My decision to close the school was made along with the individual's school and school district and we are working together to communicate with parents.

So far, Swine Flu appears no worse than regular, seasonal flu. But out of extreme caution, until we better understand this new virus, we are taking such aggressive measures in order to limit its spread.

The Swine Flu virus is a new type of virus never seen in people until it was discovered last week. It is a combination of swine, avian, and human influenza and responds well when treated with anti-virals. The Swine Influenza has the same symptoms as regular or seasonal influenza: sudden onset of high fever, runny nose, body aches and exhaustion. Some people with the Swine Flu have nausea and diarrhea.

"We will likely see many more cases in Maricopa County and in the state, but this does not change our message," said Will Humble, acting director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. "Cough or sneeze into you sleeve, wash your hands frequently and above all, stay home when you are sick."

Source
Maricopa County Dept. of Public Health

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

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