Number of swine flu cases hits 160 nationwide; 11 suspected, but unconfirmed cases in King County

The number of confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 (swine flu) infections in the U.S. has climbed to 160, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported today.

In King County, 11 suspected cases have been identified, but none have been confirmed. Laboratory samples from those cases have been sent to the CDC for identification.

The most recent case to be identified locally is young girl from Des Moines. Like other cases identified in the area, her illness was mild and she is recovering, according the officials from Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Nevertheless, because she is a student at Midway Elementary School in the Highline School district, Midway Elementary will be closed for a week.

Three other schools have been closed because of the outbreak: Seattle’s Madrona Elementary School, Aki Kurose Middle School and Stevens Elementary K-8, and in Federal Way, Woodmont Elementary.

Schools, where many children are brought into close contact, are an ideal environment for the virus to spread, said Dr. David Fleming, director & health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

“Our parents are at the front lines of stopping the spread of infection. We are urging all parents to assess their kids every morning to see if they’re sick, and keep them home if they are,” said Dr. Fleming.

“In addition, we will be working with schools across King County to help them establish health checks at school entry, so that sick students are identified and sent home before they expose other children.”

U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
(As of May 2, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)

States	# of laboratory confirmed cases	Deaths
Arizona	4
California	24
Colorado	2
Connecticut	1
Delaware	4
Florida	2
Illinois	3
Indiana	3
Kansas	2
Kentucky*	1
Massachusetts	8
Michigan	2
Minnesota	1
Missouri	1
Nevada	1
New Jersey	7
New York	50
Ohio	1
South Carolina	13
Texas	28	1
Virginia	2
TOTAL (21)	160 cases	1 death
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See: World Health Organization    *Case is resident of KY but currently hospitalized in GA.

SOURCE: CDC

Local health officials have set up a “Hotline” for King County residents who have questions about influenza A/H1N1, the “swine flu”. 

The number is:  1-877-903-KING (5464). 

The service will provide general information and updates about the outbreak, but cannot provide medical advice.

For medical advice people should call their healthcare provider.

PHOTO CREDIT: CDC / GS Goldsmith and A Balish

Tags: 2009/H1N1, A/H1N1, CDC, Flu, H1N1, Influenza, Influenza A, Swine Flu

Category: Influenza