Cathy Brem, preparedness coordinator for the Bell County Public Health District, said as of Monday morning there were no reported cases of the swine flu in a 30-county area, including Bell, that stretches from the Austin area to Hillsboro.
She said the two Texas cases were mild ones.
“A swab was taken. They realized it was swine flu, and these children recovered, you know, in a matter of days,” Ms. Brem said. “All the cases in the United States have been very mild.”
The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District where the two students attended, and are friends, will be closed for the remainder of the week. All extra-curricular activities are also canceled.
In Temple, the school district spokeswoman said staff has started an information campaign, sending both voice and e-mails to school employees and parents regarding safeguards.
“Obviously we’re concerned, but there’s no reason to be alarmed here in Temple,” school spokeswoman Regina Baird said. “I feel really good that we’ve gotten out front of this and tried to answer any questions on the part of the school district. We’ve got our nurses mobilized. They’re on all the campuses. We’re asking our folks, our staff and our families to just try and stay well . . . and wash their hands and take good health precautions.”
The reported from Mexico City on Monday afternoon suspected swine flu deaths climbed to 149 and are expected to rise. Swine flu was confirmed in 20 of those deaths.
Monday afternoon, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the following 40 swine flu cases in the United States - New York City 28, California 7, Texas 2, Kansas 2 and Ohio 1.
The CDC issued the following explanation regarding swine flu.
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people
Health officials urge practicing the same precautions used to prevent spreading other respiratory illnesses.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
· Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Swine flu symptoms are similar to seasonal, or regular flu, and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the State Department of State Health Services reported.
The CDC has precautions for travelers at the following Web site: www.cdc.gov/travel, which Monday night included an advisory against non-essential travel to Mexico.
