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See more information about this issue at http://www.barrowcountynews.com/news/article/2876/ and continue to look for updated information which is developing quickly.
ajackson@barrowcountynews.com
The first case of Swine Flu in Georgia has been confirmed by health officials.
The head of Georgia’s Division of Public Health said Thursday that a 30-year-old female that traveled to LaGrange became ill after a trip to Cancun, Mexico earlier this month.
The woman is from Kentucky.
The alert level has now been deemed Phase 5; Phase 6 being the highest level. This indicates a pandemic could occur.
People with symptoms of the flu are being encouraged to stay home and use standard precautions like washing hands, using tissue to blow their nose and cover their mouths when they cough. The Barrow County News will post more information as it becomes available.
Barrow County Emergency Management Director Jimmy Terrell has called a meeting of the Barrow County Pandemic Flu Committee for Tuesday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m. in the training room of the Barrow County Adminisrative Annex at 233 E. Broad St., in Winder.
From the Governor
On Thursday, Gov. Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the first H1N1 flu case in Georgia being confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control:
"Today’s confirmed case of the H1N1 flu in Georgia is a reason for precaution, not panic. I want to stress that it is an isolated case appearing in a woman visiting our state for an event who had also recently traveled to Mexico. The State of Georgia has worked diligently over the past several years to prepare for a situation like this, and we are partnering with local and federal officials to respond appropriately. I encourage Georgians to follow the advice of public health professionals and take the recommended precautions to protect themselves and their families. At this stage, the simplest things – washing hands and using disinfectants – can be the most effective safeguards. I am confident in our planning and preparation and our ability to respond over the coming days."
The most up-to-date information on H1N1 flu developments in Georgia is available at the Division of Public Health’s website at http://health.state.ga.us/swineflu/.
From acting CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser
(As of his Thursday morning briefing)
The age of the patients ranges from 22 months to 81 years. The median age is 16.
The majority of the cases were reported after April 18.
He says the primary benefit of the pandemic response phases implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) is to focus attention on the situation while the CDC continues to help states develop testing capabilities.
Dr. Besser says response to flu outbreak requires shared responsibility: Government; Private sector; and Individuals, with an emphasis on personal responsibility. (See related information about taking care of yourself and your family in the News Columnist section of this website)
