Edgewoood home to first probable swine flu case

As worldwide attention has been focused on the recent outbreaks of swine flu, Pierce County residents are still faring fairly well.

Suspected cases of the swine flu have been popping up in the county, with the first probable case from an Edgewood teenager identified in late April, however no illnesses have been confirmed as swine flu as of press time.

Some students in Puyallup and Clover Park School Districts have exhibited flu-like symptoms but these cases have yet to be confirmed as the swine flu strand. The Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) is still waiting to hear back from the national Center for Disease Control on the verdict for the varieties of flu reported so far in Pierce County. Tests on the few possible cases should be reported back at the end of the week.

This will allow public health officials to get a better understanding of the severity of the flu, its reach and its possible impact, said John Britt, public information officer for the TPCHD.

Three Clover Park schools closed on May 1 as a precautionary measure. Edgemont Junior High and Walker High School, in Edgewood and Puyallup, remained open because two ill students – who are siblings – were not attending school during the virus’ incubation period.

Schools impacted by the two ill siblings in Edgewood – Hilltop Elementary, Edgemont Junior High and Walker High School – are doing extra disinfecting on “high-touch” surfaces such as doorknobs and tabletops, along with other schools in the Puyallup School District, according to Karen Hansen, public information officer for the district.

She noted that changes in the health department’s policy on closing a school for suspected cases, as was done in Lakewood, also played a role in keeping the Edgemont, Walker and Hilltop open (Hilltop is included in the affected schools because of its close proximity to Edgemont.)

Hansen noted that officials are keeping an extra close eye on school attendance levels, and will be checking in with all students and staff who stay home sick to evaluate their symptoms and whether or not they could be linked to the swine flu outbreak.

“The health and safety of our students, staff, and community is paramount,” said Superintendent Tony Apostle in a press release. “We are working closely with our local and state public health officials and have a plan in place to make informed decisions and stay abreast of the most current information.”

So far, all symptoms have been distributed at about the same as the seasonal flu and include: fever of 100.4 and above, and cough and sore throat. In addition, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported.

Contact your health care provider if you experience these symptoms.

How to avoid getting sick

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Swine Flu. Take actions to prevent the spread of germs that cause flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; or cough into your elbow. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also effective.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Responding to illness

• If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, specifically a temperature of 100.4 degrees and above, STAY HOME for seven days after the onset of the illness or for 24 hours after your fever breaks, whichever is longer. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Keep sick children at home. Contact your healthcare provider.
• If you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or believe that you are severely ill, seek immediate medical attention, possibly at an urgent care center.
• If you are ill and must go into the community to seek medical care, you should wear a mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. If a face mask is unavailable, cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• If you don’t have a health insurance or a physician, call (253) 798-6500 for help. Medical clinic referrals can be found at http://www.tpchd.org.

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