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‘Probable’ swine flu case: Rock County man did the right thing

JANESVILLE — The Rock County man who has a “probable” case of swine flu did all the right things to limit his exposure to others, officials from the county health department said Friday.

The man didn’t go to work and isolated himself at home after he started experiencing symptoms soon after returning from Mexico on Sunday, officials said.

“We are extremely happy with the actions this individual has taken,” said Rock County Health Officer Karen Cain.

“The period he was out and about was very short, and we’re very, very grateful for that,” said Janet Zoellner, county public health nursing director.

The man was aware of the outbreak in Mexico through the news media, so he knew what to do, Cain said.

Officials would not say where in Rock County the man lives. They are contacting people who have come into contact with the man and are recommending they stay home for seven days. The seven days start from the day they came into contact with the man.

Zoellner said the man was “out and about” for less than a day.

“And even at that, he was very cautious,” Zoellner said.

Officials could not say how many people might have come into contact with him.

Officials also revealed that specimens from seven to nine other Rock County people have been sent to the state for testing. Most of those have been determined not to be swine flu, but the county is waiting word on a few of them, Zoellner said.

The one case is called “probable” based on a test, but only the federal Centers for Disease Control can confirm that it is swine flu. The CDC has said that it takes 48 to 72 hours for a determination, but it appears it’s taking longer than that, Cain said.

The man has no children at home, so no schools are thought to be in any danger, officials said.

The man was not hospitalized. His symptoms were “rather mild, and they are resolving,” Zoellner said. He is being treated with an antiviral agent.

Phil Boutwell, assistant to the county administrator, said the Rock County Jail has ordered facemasks and other protective gear in order to prepare for a possible swine flu outbreak. The county nursing home already has those supplies on hand, Boutwell said.

Officials urged the public to take precautions, including frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer.

And anyone feeling ill should, as always, stay home from work or school, Zoellner said.

If staying home would be a hardship, people should contact the health department for help, Zoellner said.

The county does not have protective gear to supply to the public, but in the event of widespread outbreak, the county has been assured that the state would send supplies it is getting from a federal stockpile, Cain said.

TO LEARN MORE

For more information about swine flu, contact the Rock County Health Department at (608) 757-5440 or (608) 364-2010. The department recommends this Web site for information: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.