Officials are still awaiting the results of the two probable cases of swine flu in Columbus and have activated two public hotlines to increase community awareness and vigilance about the H1N1 virus.
The Columbus Department of Health opened a hotline for the public to call with questions about the H1N1, or swine flu, virus. "This is critical in preventing or at least limiting the spread of infection and to reduce the impact on human health," said Dr. Teresa Long, health commissioner for the Columbus Department of Health in a press conference.
ZACH TUGGLE/THE LANTERN
Columbus Public Health Director Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, left, Franklin County Health Commissioner Susan Tilgner, center, and city Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long discuss the swine flu situation.As of Thursday morning about 20 people have used the public community hotline.
The two patients with probable cases of the virus have been placed in isolation. Another 10 people close to the probable cases have voluntarily quarantined themselves at home.
The H1N1 virus is similar to the human influenza virus because people can shed the virus up to 24 hours before showing symptoms of the virus and for as long as seven days after showing signs of symptoms.
"At this point people are willingly isolated themselves or quarantined themselves and taking them out of where they might expose other members of the public," Long said.
When asked about the concern of having a probable case at OSU Medical Center, Long reinforced the idea that they are concerned about all cases and are working with businesses and locations where cases are probable or suspected.
"We're concerned about all cases. But obviously in a health care environment where they are already working with people may have chronic conditions, we were absolutely both interested in learning about this and being sure that this was a probable case, and being able to work with Ohio State University very quickly about that. They have actually been very, very assertive in dealing with that," Long said.
The number of suspected cases remains at five in central Ohio.
Officials say "it's possible" that some of the suspect cases are linked to probable cases.
The two suspected cases of influenza a in Ross County came back negative, said Rami Yoakum, director of communications for the Ross County Health District.
As the number of cases rise around the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is still the only place that can confirm cases of the swine flu. However, as the virus continues to spread, state departments of health might have the ability to do its own testing. However, Long is not sure when that will begin.
"For us that would be a very helpful thing for our state laboratory to have the capacity to be able to do this testing, it will quicken the turnaround," Long said.
Public health officials are continuing to increase surveillance and vigilance through updated Web sites and information. They are also working with the Columbus Airport to inform flight crews about types of symptoms they should look for in passengers boarding planes, and the protocol to handle people who are symptomatic. Officials stress that people should be vigilant about their own health and continuously wash their hands, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, stay out of crowded public areas if they are feeling sick, and monitor their time around people who have been outside of the country, especially Mexico.
For those who feel as though they are experiencing symptoms and have come into contact with a probable case, Long advises seeking medical attention immediately.
Danielle Devery can be reached at devery.1@osu.edu.
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