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El Dorado County Health Officials
Find Two More Probable Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases
Camino School to be closed as a precaution next week
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El Dorado County health officials have found two more probable swine flu (H1N1) cases in the County today, bringing the total number of probable cases to three.  All of the cases involved mild sickness.  Because all three of the cases were identified in students at Camino School, the decision was made today by local health and school officials to close the school through at least Friday, May 8. 

“We are directing the closure of the school as a precaution and as a way of preventing any further spread of this flu virus into the community,” said Dean Kelaita, M.D., El Dorado County Interim Health Officer. “So far, this strain of swine flu appears to have very similar characteristics to seasonal flu, but we are being very cautious because it is a new strain in our community.”

“Our surveillance and public health nursing staff have been in contact with the families of the individuals affected and we are working with them to ensure they are taking measures to care for themselves and to prevent the spread of the flu to others,” said Dr. Kelaita.  “We are also investigating whether there were other persons the children may have come in contact with and making recommendations for those individuals.” 

El Dorado County Public Health is working closely with the County Office of Education and school district staff regarding the school closure and notifications to parents.  Health officials are asking students of Camino School to help minimize the possible spread of infection to others by staying home as much as possible next week and not congregating in groups. 

“At this time, we are advising members of the public to take precautions against swine flu as they would with the regular flu,” said Dr. Kelaita. “Our best advice is to stay home if you feel you are sick with the flu and have symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat.  Most people sick with the flu need extra fluids, bed rest and over-the-counter medications.  If symptoms are severe or persist, then it is wise to speak with a healthcare provider.”

Dr. Kelaita recommends the community take the following prevention steps:

Everyday Actions to Stay Healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school until your symptoms are gone.  Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw used tissue in the trash.

These routine actions are simple but highly effective in prevention of respiratory disease, including swine flu.  “We are also continuing to encourage businesses to support their workers in staying home if they are sick with the flu or need to attend to children who are sick with the flu,” added Dr. Kelaita.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by a type A influenza virus.  Swine flu does not normally infect humans.  However, human infections with swine flu do occur.  Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu can spread from human-to-human.