Two cases in South Carolina ‘probable’ swine flu

CDC scientist Scott Smith manipulates a flask of cells used for experiments with live virus.[Photo by James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has received lab results for the suspect cases of swine flu, the agency announced today.

“Of the viruses sampled, two were type A, unsubtypable. That means, because this is a novel virus, we will assume that these two cases that were tested at the lab do have the new swine flu virus and these will now be considered ‘probable cases,’ so they are being sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further evaluation and testing,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “We expect that those who are sick to voluntarily isolate themselves for a short time, and those who were exposed should voluntarily quarantine themselves at home. DHEC will assure those in isolation will receive appropriate treatment.

“These steps are asked not only to help exposed and infected citizens, but also to protect others from exposure and illness, and to prevent further spread,” Dr. Gibson said. “Isolation and quarantine are used to protect your family, friends, and others from the virus.”

Reports surfaced earlier in the week about some private school students who came home from a trip to Mexico and subsequently became ill. DHEC issued timely statements about testing for the AH1N1 virus that is rather inappropriately being called 'swine flu.' The AH1N1 virus has components from birds, pigs and humans, and pork industry officials have pointed out no pigs are sick in the US.

A source in the Piedmont area where the school is located, 45 miles west of the state capitol, told The US Report the school is currently closed for cleaning. The source said parents had volunteered to handle the disinfecting and cleaning of the school.

Two cases in South Carolina 'probable' swine flu by Kay B. Day