2009 News

May 5, 2009

Second Probable H1N1 (Swine Flu) Case In Bucks

The Bucks County Health Department has been notified of its second probable case of H1N1 virus. This case involves a traveling companion of the county’s first probable case. This second probable is also a 20-year-old female who recently traveled to Mexico. She is receiving treatment and has not required hospitalization. Health Department and Emergency Management officials continue working closely with representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the case and take the necessary steps to ensure the virus is contained as much as possible. The term “probable” means the county has received positive results from the state lab. The only confirmatory test is the CDC’s.

Health Department Director David C. Damsker, MD, MPH, emphasizes that individuals have an important role to play during this outbreak. He advises Bucks Countians to:

  • Thoroughly and frequently wash hands with warm water and soap
  • Use hand sanitizer when water and soap are unavailable
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and wash hands promptly
  • Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes
  • Contact your health care provider if you are sick, and limit contact with others

Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the H1N1virus. Individuals experiencing theses symptoms should notify their health care provider. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

The County of Bucks will only be issuing subsequent news releases if a case is confirmed by the CDC.

The PA Department of Health website is being updated daily with the most recent Pennsylvania-specific information, including links to CDC recommendations.  To view updated information on the state’s Web site, click on http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?q=252990.

Also visit the CDC’s pages at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu. 

To receive official emergency alerts to your email, mobile phone or PDA, register at www.ReadyNotifyPA.org.