South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care: H1N1

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		05/04/2009 South Dakota Department of Health Identifies Probable Swine Flu Case (PIERRE, S.D.) –The South Dakota Department of Health has identified the state’s first probable swine flu (H1N1) case and the specimen is on its way to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratories for further testing. This is considered a probable case until CDC’s final confirmation. The probable case is a Marshall County resident in the 30-39 year-old age group who is recovering at home. The individual was not hospitalized and is on home isolation for seven days. Department staff are investigating the case to determine any contacts who should be on symptom watch. “Given the nature of this outbreak, we’ve indicated from the beginning that we expected to find cases through our enhanced surveillance. This is how the system is supposed to work,” said Secretary of Health Doneen Hollingsworth. The state’s public health laboratory also tested 115 specimens today which were negative for H1N1 flu. That is in addition to the 114 negative tests previously done. Hollingsworth emphasized that South Dakotans should continue to practice the common sense hygiene measures of its Stop It, Don’t Spread It campaign – wash hands often, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home when sick. Federal officials say there is no evidence at this time that swine in the United States are infected with this virus strain, and this is not an animal health or food-safety issue. The emerging virus is a mixture of genetic material from other strains of human, avian (bird) and swine influenza. South Dakotans can go to http://doh.sd.gov for direct links to CDC information about the national situation as well as information about prevention, treatment, and caring for the ill at home. South Dakotans are also encouraged to visit http://www.bReadySD.com to learn about preparing emergency plans and kits for their families. Residents with questions about swine flu can also contact the department’s call center, 1-800-592-1861, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. -30-

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