BY RICHARD GOOTEE
Richard.Gootee@newsandtribune.com
State health officials confirmed the first case of the H1N1 virus in Clark County on Thursday.
State Department of Health spokeswoman Jennifer Dunlap declined to disclose additional information about the victim, citing policy.
“We’re not discussing individual cases,” she said.
There have been no deaths connected to the epidemic, commonly known as swine flu, in Indiana. There have been 273 confirmed cases of H1N1 statewide, including 36 that have required hospitalization.
The arrival of the H1N1 flu in Clark County was one of six new cases this week, including two which required hospitalization. The Department of Health updates its count every Thursday.
There have been no reports of the virus in Floyd County.
While there are additional reports every week, Dunlap said the cases in Indiana have been mild.
“Each week, we have new cases, so I don’t know if we would say it has slowed down. Certainly, we are not seeing a [major] increase,” she said.
State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe called the virus’ arrival predictable, given how the virus can spread easily. However, she said residents shouldn’t be overly alarmed and stressed education about the virus.
Also on Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it expects to have a vaccine against H1N1 by mid-October, but Dunlap said health officials are studying the southern hemisphere’s current flu season to be prepared for a possible spike in H1N1 cases when the traditional flu season begins again in October.
“In the beginning, we are not going to have enough for every citizen of the United States, so people still need to remember the precautions of wash your hands, using your sleeves, and stay home when you’re sick,” she said.
More than 200 of Indiana’s cases have been reported in the state’s two largest counties — Marion, which includes Indianapolis, and Lake, which includes Gary.
Clark County
First H1N1 case reported in Clark County
-
-
Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
Continued ... -
TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
Continued ...
But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
Continued ... -
A bit less jump at the pump
Recent developments in the economic crisis in Greece and an apparent slowdown in China’s economy could be important to summer’s gasoline prices.
Continued ... -
FBI raids Jeffersonville auto shop, other property
-
Jeffersonville budget cuts move forward
The action is not final, as officially the council has only approved a resolution instructing the city’s financial officer to advertise the cuts.
Continued ... -
Corden Porter purchase tabled again
The council expressed other concerns, including the potential for asbestos in the building, the costs to cover utility payments and the costs to renovate the building.
Continued ... -
State takeover of failing schools meets resistance
Under the law, the state can step in and turn the failing school over to a private operator.
Continued ...
Seven schools in Indiana located in high-poverty school districts in Gary and Indianapolis are set to be taken over this coming school year. - News and Tribune briefs for May 22, 2012
- May 21, 2012
-
VIDEO: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse
The solar eclipse that took place Sunday evening was an annular eclipse, one in which the moon blocks almost all of the sun. Some of the best viewing was in Asia, as with this video filmed in Japan.
Continued ...
-
Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
