Flu diagnosis raises concerns, questions
BONNERS FERRY — Last week’s diagnosis of swine flu among five visitors to Bonners Ferry has more people asking questions about the potentially deadly virus.
At Bonners Ferry Family Medicine, calls related to swine flu increased by 25 to 30 percent, said Dr. Troy Geyman.
“A lot of them had concerns about being exposed and what do they need to look for,” Geyman said.
The Idaho State Laboratory on June 11 confirmed that four people who visited Bonners Ferry with an out-of-state church group had the swine flu. The diagnosis came one week after another woman in the same group was determined to have the virus.
The five were among 105 people on an mission, who two weeks ago arrived on buses to Bonners Ferry. The first victim was tested in Eastern Idaho, but did not get the results until arriving in Bonners Ferry. She was then isolated until she was no longer contagious.
Forty-five others from the buses experienced flu-like symptoms, including coughing, aches and severe sore throat. Seven tested positive for Influenza A and were then tested and treated for swine flu. Four of those seven tested positive for swine flu.
The group left the area on June 9, according to a news release from Idaho Panhandle Health District.
Prudent responses to the illness by the group, doctor and the hotel in Ponderay at which the group stayed helped prevent or slow the virus’ spread among the local population.
Group leaders worked with their hotel to isolate sick people in a separate area of the hotel. Meals were cooked in the hotel parking lot.
A select few people ferried food and supplies to their isolated friends. The sick wore masks outside of their rooms. The hotel shifted daily cleaning procedures into a higher gear.
“I’d like to think if my own kids were in a situation like this, they’d be treated with the same respect and compassion,” said Randi Lustig, who leads the health district’s swine flu investigations.
“It was really well done all the way around.”
“People showed compassion and responsibility and the community came together in the right way after the illnesses were confirmed,” added Jeanne Bock, director for Panhandle Health District. “We don’t know yet if the virus spread, but we know their responsible reaction kept any spread to a minimum.’’
Dr. Geyman also appreciated residents’ inquiries.
“I think education is great,” he said. “The more people who take ownership of their health, the better we are as a community.”
Symptoms of swine flu include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Panhandle Health District advises that anyone with particularly the first three symptoms stay home and keep their distance from other people for seven days or until the symptoms end, whichever is longer. People should call a doctor if symptoms become unmanageable.