Information About Texas Swine Flu
Posted on November 7, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized |
The swine flu outbreak of 2009 has reached pandemic proportions. There have been several cases confirmed as well as suspected ones in many countries around the world. After Mexico, the highest number of cases was reported from US. The first reported case of death due to swine flu in US was that of a Texas swine flu patient. The authorities have taken various measures to avoid spread of the flu to other citizens.
Swine flu virus has been a great cause of worry for all. It is a combination of genetic material from birds, pigs and humans. The worst part is that it spreads easily from human to human. In Texas the earliest known case of swine flu occurred around April 11 and that of a Texas resident on April 27. There have been reports of 61 cases of Swine Flu in Texas in the 254 counties of Texas.
The first case of death reported in US was of a 23 month old undergoing treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The child was from Mexico City, Brownsville and was treated in Houston. As on 5th May, 2009 first case of death of a US citizen was in Texas. Authorities have not provided much detail. She was in her 30’s and lived in Cameron County. It is along the border of Mexico. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that she died earlier this week.
Until May 11 all the high school academic and athletic competitions were put off in Texas. This is to ensure the flu does not spread. Five districts along with suburban San Antonio have also suspended classes entirely. A person should be familiar with the five districts that are Rio Grande City near the border, Schertz-Cibolo, Cleburne in North Texas, Comal and New Braunfels. With the suspension of high school sporting events, the baseball and other regional track championships are also off now.
The Texas health and human services commission has issued detailed information on the preventive measures that would help you to safeguard against the flu. They have put forth the 3 C’s that can be really helpful; clean, cover and contain. Whether you are infected or not, ensure that you clean you hands often. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and use a tissue which can be thrown into a thrash can. To contain the virus spreading, stay away from those who are sick. Preferably stay at home and avoid social gatherings in such times.
Guidelines and information have also been published by the health departments for child care providers. Similarly, they have provided detailed information about swine flu so as to create awareness and ensure that there is no panic reaction among citizens. Hospitals that handle flu cases are taking necessary precautions like masks and sanitation measures to prevent flu transmission.
With Texas sharing a border with Mexico, there has been concern of higher infection rate in the region. However, with the support of citizens and the efforts of the health department, they hope to keep the flu under control. There are sufficient medications available for all those who need it. Though we do not have a vaccine at the moment, prevention would be the best medicine and due care in coordination with the health officials will make it possible to contain the spread of flu.
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