State Response to H1N1 Begins
May 1st, 2009 by Mike VasilindaFlorida continues to wait for the results of 8 suspected cases of H1N1 Virus or Swine Flu from an overwhelmed Centers for Disease Control. The cases are from across the state and include 2 from Lee County, 2 from Palm Beach County, and one each from Pinellas, Alaucha, Broward, Orange County. As Mike Vasilinda tells us,� the state began mobilizing resources today.
The news of Florida�s first� two confirmed cases of H1N1came just after 3 p.m. Friday.
�They are located in Lee and Broward County,� Crist said. �They involve two students. The one in Lee County is at Spring Creek Elementary, it�s an 11-year-old male. And in Broward County it�s a student from Hallendale High School, a 17-year-old female.�
At least one child had a history of travel to Mexico.
More than six other suspect samples, including a second Lee County sample are pending analysis.
�While we cannot predict the course of this outbreak and how it will affect the state, we do expect to see more cases over the coming days and weeks,� Viamonte Ros said.
Earlier in the day the state began sending resources including protective masks into the field. The state�s Surgeon General says the masks are only for health care providers right now.
�We�re not suggesting anyone purchase masks at this time,� Viamonte Ros said. �The masks are there mostly for individuals that are first responders.�
The state is also pushing out half a million doses of anti-viral medication. They�ll go to first responders, EMTs, doctors and hospitals.
The state also went live with an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. hotline to answer citizens questions.
Those with symptoms are being urged to stay home. Everyone else is being urged to wash their hands frequently.
The hotline number is 1-800-342-3557.
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