The number of confirmed swine flu cases continues to rise as officials across the globe try to get a grasp on this virus in terms of treatment and preventing its spread.
Click on the video icon to watch an interview from NewsChannel 15's News at 7 on Tuesday, April 28th. We interviewed Winona McLamb, RN, CIC with Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach. She's the hospital's Certified Infection Control specialist.
The Mexican Government says there are now nearly 2,000 cases. 159 people are now dead who are suspected swine flu victims.
On the National Level:
Health officials are trying to combat the swine flu outbreak and are preparing for a worst case scenario.
"We fully expect more U.S. people will have severe disease, will be hospitalized and might even die. There clearly is a difference between what Mexico is describing and what we're seeing -- understanding that is going to be the key, said Dr Joe Bresee, CDC Flu Expert.
At least five people have been hospitalized with the virus and the number of confirmed U.S. cases has risen to 66.
The largest concentration of cases in is New York City, where there are 45 confirmed cases.
Officials there suspect "many hundreds" of school children have caught the flu.
The virus has been found in five other states, 11 in California, six in Texas, two in Kansas and one each in Indiana and Ohio.
Three people in California and two in Texas have been hospitalized.
On the State Level:
More testing is being done here in South Carolina after health officials say there are two probable cases of swine flu in our state.
The headmaster of Newberry Academy says the cases are linked to a student trip to Mexico.
State health officials told him a student and a friend of a student tested "probable" after returning from Mexico earlier this month.
The state Department of Health says further testing is being done by the CDC.
A local infectious disease practitioner NewsChannel 15 talked with said if you're not feeling well, go see a doctor no matter what.
The faster you learn what you have, the sooner it can be treated.
"If you come in with symptoms of influenza ,it doesn't mean you have swine flu. We'll ask you questions, and about travel and then you'll be tested," said Winona McLamb, RN, CIC from Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.
Swine Flu Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Chills
The virus is spreading by person to person contact - through coughing or sneezing.
The number one prevention tip is to wash your hands thoroughly and often.
You cannot get swine flu from eating pork.
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