Health officials across the globe are growing increasingly concerned about the outbreak of swine flu. More than 1,500 infections have been reported in Mexico, with a little over 100 deaths. In the U.S., as of Monday morning, there were 20 confirmed cases across a handful of states--but no deaths. Despite that, federal health officials have issued a public health emergency declaration as a precaution, and the head of the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta says people should be prepared for the problem to become more severe.
There have been no cases of swine flu yet reported in Georgia. Lisa Harvey is with the Infection Control division of Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville. She says her clinic has been well supplied with information for doctors and patients alike:
Health officials say symptoms of swine flu are nearly indistinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness, including sore throat, cough and fever.
There have been no cases of swine flu yet reported in Georgia. Lisa Harvey is with the Infection Control division of Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville. She says her clinic has been well supplied with information for doctors and patients alike:
"The CDC...the Georgia Department of Public Health, has all sent out numerous guidelines...they've been a great resource. And basically, I am personally not seeing panic. I think that people are more in an information mode...they want to know what is going on."Scattered states across the country have closed schools, including neighboring South Carolina. A private school there was closed Monday over fears that students who just returned from Mexico might be infected.
Health officials say symptoms of swine flu are nearly indistinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness, including sore throat, cough and fever.
