Michigan says it has 1 confirmed case of swine flu

DAVID EGGERT, Associated Press Writer

Tools

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 29, 2009 at 11:40 AM EST

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2009 at 5:01 PM EST

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Jennifer Granholm said people should not panic after the federal government on Wednesday confirmed the state's first case of swine flu, which officials are calling the H1N1 strain of influenza A.

"We are obviously concerned, but there is no reason for panic," the governor said during a news conference at the State Emergency Operations Center. She was joined by state public health officials.

"Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands," said Dr. Greg Holzman, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health.

A 34-year-old woman in Livingston County who returned last week from a vacation in San Antonio and near the Mexican border was recovering at home from what is described as a mild bout of swine flu. Livingston County is 45 miles northwest of Detroit.

"She continues to improve," said Ted Westmeier, director of the county's health department. "There shouldn't be any panic. The best defense against this is proper personal hygiene, and that means frequent hand washing."

The woman's husband and 3-year-old daughter continued to be isolated at their home but were showing no flu-like symptoms, Westmeier said. He said the family has been remarkably cooperative and has done everything asked by health officials.

Granholm said "dozens" of swabs have been sent to the state for testing, but so far just two have been flagged as suspicious. Officials also stressed the outbreak is not affecting foods such as pork.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier Wednesday reported two confirmed cases in Michigan. But the state said the CDC actually confirmed two specimens from the same individual.

The state is awaiting results from a probable swine flu case out of Ottawa County west of Grand Rapids. The 34-year-old Ottawa County woman was released from the hospital last week.

Total American cases have surged to nearly 100, and President Barack Obama said wider school closings might be necessary.

The Detroit Science Center canceled its announcement next week of an exhibition on Mexican culture because of the swine flu outbreak in that country.

Honored guests from the Mexican state of Guanajuato cannot travel to Detroit for the announcement due to the flu outbreak. The museum said Wednesday it hopes to reschedule the event soon.

The announcement had been scheduled for Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates Mexico's defeat of a French army in 1862.

People are advised to wash their hands frequently, stay home if they are sick and keep sick kids home.

The University of Michigan on Wednesday temporarily suspended all university-sponsored travel to Mexico. The school said the action was consistent with guidelines issued by the CDC to avoid nonessential travel to Mexico.

The temporary travel suspension will be reviewed on a weekly basis. It does not affect students, faculty or staff already in Mexico.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

Current Temp 48.6

More Weather

WSBT Weather

More Weather

On Demand

iPhone
Get the WSBT News and Irish Sports Report apps for your iPhone! Read more »
On DVD
Order a DVD of a WSBT news story! Read more »
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter! Read more »
Facebook
Connect with us on Facebook! Read more »
WSBT E-News
Daily StormTracker e-mails right to your Inbox! Read more »
Video On Demand
Miss a story on WSBT News? Watch it here! Read more »
CBS Shows
Watch CBS shows and news online, free! Read more »
WSBT Alert
Breaking News & Weather right to your cell phone! Read more »
Mobile
WSBT News on the go for your cell phone or PDA. Read more »
RSS Feeds
Get news and updates as soon as they're published. Read more »

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.