Swine Flu Confirmed In Hancock County

Health officials said Friday they have confirmed a swine flu case in Hancock County.

Lab results completed late Thursday showed the victim is suffering from the H1N1 virus.

Health officials said the victim is a middle-aged male who lives in the county. They said he travels for work and it was not clear where he contracted the virus.

Dr. Anna Suray, health officer for the Hancock County Health Department, said even though it is a mystery where the man contracted the virus, she is not concerned about overall safety.

"The person is recovering well at home. We don't have any big concerns of any other ill people," Suray said.

Suray said health officials are not surprised by the finding.

"It's just like, 'OK. We do have somebody positive for the novel flu.' We were expecting it. We've had other cases in the state of West Virginia. We're approaching it the way we do for seasonal flu," Suray said.

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The health department said the man appears to be the only case in the county. There are no other possible cases, but officials are monitoring people who had close contact with him for signs of the virus.

Officials are watching for any signs of transmission, but they aren't overreacting. They are staying aware of the situation and preparing for any other needed tests for the virus, which Suray said are easy and painless-- a simple swab of the nostril.

While the patient presented symptoms at a local hospital, Suray said the test results were confirmed both through a state agency and the Centers For Disease Control.

Medical providers said people should take commonsense precautions like covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sneezing into their elbow rather than their hand.

People should also wash their hands frequently; if soap and water aren't available, hand gels can substitute. People should stay home if they're sick and keep children home from school if they are.

Health authorities said people who live in places where swine flu cases have been confirmed, or recently traveled to Mexico and have flulike symptoms, should ask a doctor if they need treatment or to be tested. Allergies won't cause a fever and run-of-the-mill stomach bugs won't be accompanied by respiratory symptoms.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

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