Apr 29, 2009 6:06 pm US/Eastern
State Boosts Swine Flu Preparation
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Gov. Deval Patrick addressed the swine flu concern and urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves from getting sick.
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As Gov. Deval Patrick announced the first two swine flu cases in Massachusetts had been confirmed, he encouraged the public to take simple steps that health workers here take: wash hands frequently and thoroughly, a minimum of 20 seconds, cover when you cough, and if you're sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home from school or work.
"And in this respect, I would especially ask for sensitivity from employers," Patrick said.
Massachusetts General Hospital's Director of Operations and Disaster Medicine explained precautions taken when two Lowell boys, brothers, who'd been to Mexico came into the Emergency Department over the weekend.
Their's are the only two confirmed swine flu cases in the Bay State.
"Immediately, as they came in, with our standard protocol, they had a mask placed on them. So the important part of that is that means no one in the Emergency Department at that time is at risk of contracting the flu from those patients," said Dr. Paul Biddinger.
Pediatricians at a practice in Cambridge say they are receiving lots of inquiries about swine flu.
"One patient asked if I thought it was a good idea if they cancelled a trip to Mexico, and I said it was a good idea," said Dr. Michael Yogman.
State Public Health officials say specimens from only three patients, including the two Lowell boys, have been sent to the CDC for testing.
"I can tell you we have screened over 40 individuals, the majority have had had ordinary seasonal influenza, so that rules out swine flu," said Dr. Al DeMaria, Medical Director of the state's Department of Infectious Disease.
While Gov. Patrick asked the public to be prepared and vigilant, he also urged people not to overreact.
"None of the contact cases, zero of the contact cases have been symptomatic," he said referring to the Lowell cases.
Patrick also directed anyone with questions to the
state's Web site.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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