Swine flu reported in North Idaho

COEUR d’ALENE — The first probable case of swine flu in Idaho was reported Thursday in Kootenai County.

The patient is a woman in her 60s who came down with flu-like symptoms after recently traveling to Texas, according to the Panhandle Health District. She is recovering and did not require hospitalization.

The PHD said the Idaho State Laboratory in Boise has sent an “unrecognizable flu sample” to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for confirmation.

If confirmed, it would be the first official case of H1N1 (swine flu) in Idaho.

“The fact that there is a new, unidentifiable virus is cause for concern, but not panic,” said Cynthia Taggart, PHD spokeswoman.

Initial testing of samples from the Kootenai County woman revealed the strain isn’t consistent with the seasonal flu.

“Identification has been difficult so far,” Taggart said.

The epidemic has made headlines across the world since it was first reported, and last week’s news that it had spread to the United States has closed hundreds of schools, including entire districts in Texas.

By Thursday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 114 cases in 12 states, up from 91 cases in 10 states Wednesday.

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The first death from the virus in the United States — a 23-month-old toddler who had traveled with his family from Mexico to Houston — was disclosed on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

Kootenai County residents should exercise caution, said health officials.

“This is a strong reminder to everyone of the importance of practicing respiratory etiquette and good hygiene to protect themselves and others,” said Lora Whalen, director of Family and Community Health for PHD. “Cover your cough and sneezes, throw used tissues in the trash, wash your hands well and often, stay home if you’re ill and see your medical provider if your symptoms warrant.”

The virus travels through the air and spreads quickly, she said, and people can spread it even before they notice symptoms.

“It’s also important to maintain an appropriate distance between yourself and others who might be coughing or sneezing,” she said.

Symptoms are common with the seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. People with symptoms who have traveled recently or have been around anyone who has traveled recently to Mexico or the growing number of states with H1N1 flu cases are advised to see a health care professional.

Meanwhile, about 7,000 doses of anti-viral medication are heading to North Idaho from the federal stockpile, and should arrive next week. The medication is for people diagnosed with H1N1 flu and will be made available as a doctor prescribes it.

The Panhandle Health District will operate an information hotline at 415-5199 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to answer the public’s questions.

It is also working with health care providers, schools, governments and more in the region to monitor the situation, it said in a press release.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.\