news-record.com

GREENSBORO – Local health officials say they are making preparations should the swine flu pandemic spread into Guilford County.

Across the United States, health officials have confirmed 40 cases between New York, California, Texas and Kansas.

Though no confirmed cases have been found in North Carolina, officials are making preparations to deal with the disease.

“The swine flu outbreak is a fast-moving, ever-evolving situation,” said Merle Green, Guilford County Health Director in a news release issued Monday.

“Our team has been busy today with receiving updates from the state public health department and the CDC, establishing surveillance, working with the local media to get out our education messages, and making plans if we get a case in our state or county.”

Guilford health officials said they were first notified of the virus on Thursday and have been monitoring the situation over the weekend, including having a conference call with emergency management officials, local health care systems on Sunday night.

Ward Robinson, the Department of Public Health’s Medical Director is reminding residents “as with any respiratory illness, persons should practice good personal hygiene such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue then properly disposing of the tissue in a waste container.”

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are recommended for proper and thorough germ killing.

“Lastly, please remember, if you are sick, stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others,” Robinson said.

Health officials are asking anyone who has visited an area with a confirmed case of the swine flu in the U.S. and in Mexico, who becomes ill with flu like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea to contact their doctor.

A virus infection is treatable with antiviral medications, which require prescriptions.