Three cases of 'Swine Flu' confirmed

There are now three confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 in Potter County and, most recently, McKean County has reported its first case.

All three Potter County victims are recovering without complications, according to Lonnie Bunch, safety officer at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.

Each of the three patients was treated at Cole and none was admitted. Cases were treated on June 16, 23 and 26. Victims are a 49-year-old male, a 39-year-old female and the latter's 15-year-old daughter.

There are no cases reported in Cameron or Tioga counties, but that could change any day.

The flu has been spreading rapidly since early June. As of Wednesday, there were 1,594 confirmed and 64 probable cases of illness due to the virus in more than 40 of the state's 67 counties. That's more than a fivefold increase since Memorial Day. In Pennsylvania, at least two dozen victims have been hospitalized and five have died.

County Departments of Emergency Services (DES) and Cole Hospital are coordinating their activities with the Pa. Health Department. Officials emphasize that there is no reason to panic.

An awareness workshop was held on Monday in Emporium to keep emergency management officials and those involved in medical services or public policy apprised of developments. Potter County DES is also monitoring developments and is spearheading a pandemic response plan as a precautionary measure.

"We encourage people to remain calm and take time to learn about this virus, especially what you should do if you have symptoms," said John Hetrick, Potter County DES director.

Symptoms of the illness are similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, lack of appetite, and coughing.

There is currently no vaccine available to protect against the virus — latest estimates are that one will not be available until at least October — but the flu can be treated with certain antiviral drugs if it's caught in the first 48 hours.

Victims are advised to isolate themselves if they contract the flu because it is contagious. Steps people can take to avoid spreading the H1N1 flu include:

• stay home if sick;

• cough/sneeze into a tissue and rewash hands;

• wash hands frequently with warm soap/water or use an antibacterial gel;

• drink plenty of fluids;

• eat a balanced diet;

• avoid physical contact (handshaking, etc.);

• get plenty of rest.

Cole Hospital has established an informational "hotline" at 260-5279. The Health Department website is regularly updated, available at www.health.state. pa.us. The site includes a map and chart showing a county-by-county breakdown of H1N1 cases.