As of 9 a.m. April 26, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 20 confirmed cases of swine influenza (swine flu) in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio and Texas. There are no confirmed cases in Indiana. The Indiana Department of Health sent two flu specimens for tests at the CDC. The strains did not match other strains of flu seen earlier this year. Results of the tests are expected soon.

The illness is believed to be linked to about 100 deaths in Mexico but has not resulted in any fatalities in the U.S., where cases have tended to be milder, according to news reports.

What you can do

Currently, the CDC is recommending vigilant basic hygiene: cover your nose and mouth—ideally with a tissue—when you cough or sneeze. Wash hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  It is also recommended that you avoid close contact with people who are ill. If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Almost all swine influenza infections come with a high fever (greater than 100 degrees). Other symptoms include sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache/body aches, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Any student, faculty, or staff member experiencing a fever over 100 degrees along with other symptoms is strongly encouraged to visit the Ball State Health Center or his or her personal physician.

Emergency warning signs for adults include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

About swine flu

According to the Indiana Department of Health, swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections did occur at the rate of one case every one to two years prior to 2005. From December 2005 to February 2009, 12 cases of swine flu were reported in humans. Currently, there are outbreaks of human swine flu in the countries of Canada, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.

More information

CDC Swine Flu Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm 

Ball State Pandemic Influenza Web site: http://www.bsu.edu/fluinfo/ 
 
Tony Proudfoot
Associate Vice President
Marketing and Communications
Ball State University