SC has two "probable" cases of swine flu

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control reports that two cases of the 22 in question are “probable for 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.
Most of the suspect virus samples came from Newberry Academy. Students from there have just returned from a trip to Cancun, Mexico and 22 samples were sent to DHEC labs for testing.
Affiliate station WKDK in Newberry’s Jimmy Coggins spoke to Newberry Academy Headmaster Robert Dawkins, just after the school received word.
Listen to interview with school’s headmaster
Gibson adds, “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 says. “Isolation and quarantine are used to protect your family, friends, and others from the virus.”
DHEC cautions that more cases are probable and that you should wash your hands frequently, cover your cough and sneezes with your sleeve (not your hand), and if you have signs or symptoms of Influenza, you should avoid crowds and if your symptoms become severe you should contact your health care provider.
Affiliate station WKDK in Newberry’s Jimmy Coggins spoke to Newberry Academy Headmaster Robert Dawkins, just after the school received word.