Thursday's Internet Edition, 10:53 PM, July 02, 2009.
of swine flu reported
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Publisher - Roane County has its first reported case of swine flu.
The case involves a teenage boy who did not require hospitalization and is being treated at home, according to Dr. Sherif Ibrahim, regional epidemiologist for the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Dept.
This is the first reported case of swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, outside of Wood County in the six-county region. The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Dept. also serves Calhoun, Pleasants, Ritchie and Wirt counties.
A total of 69 cases has been reported in Wood County, with 55 of those involving persons between the ages of 5 and 24.
Ibrahim said there have been no deaths in the state attributed to the virus and most cases have responded quickly to treatment.
He said those who believe they may have the virus should contact their doctor’s office and, once they are diagnosed, stay home if they are sick.
vHe said spread of the disease can be prevented by regular hand washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
County breakdowns updated weekly on the number of swine flu cases, as well as information about control of the virus, can be found on the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department Web site at movhd.com.
