Officials Prepare for Swine Flu in Mississippi

State and federal officials are ramping up preparations for swine flu. There are currently no reported cases in Mississippi, but that could change in the future. MPB's Stephen Koranda has more.

State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson during a conference call yesterday, told reporters swine flu is beyond the stage where it can be contained, and the number of cases will likely expand. But he added Mississippians should not believe exaggerated reports of a killer flu from Mexico.

“Although inevitably with any strain of flu, there will be some fatalities. There’s no indication at this time that - in the US - this strains of flu is more likely to be fatal that the ordinary seasonal flu that we see each year.”

More than 100 deaths in Mexico have been linked to swine flu. In the US there are 40 confirmed cases in 5 states, and no deaths reported. The Mississippi Department of Health is testing 10 patient samples for the virus. Dr. Thompson believes it’s likely swine flu will be confirmed in Mississippi, and says that information will only come from the department of health.

“If we do not announce it as a case of swine flu in the state of Mississippi, it is not. It is a rumor and whoever is announcing it does not have adequate information.”

The state has requested 75 thousand doses of influenza medication from the federal government. That will be on top of the 300 thousand doses already on hand. Thompson is recommending improved basic hygiene, including frequent hand washing and covering sneezes or coughs with your sleeve. Centers for Disease Control Director Richard Besser is also recommending people make plans for things like childcare, should their local school be closed in the future.

“Hopefully this outbreak will not progress, but leaning forward and thinking about what you would do is on of the of the most important things individuals and communities can undertake right now.”

Dr. Thompson says anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home from work or school, and contact their physician by phone.