For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2009

Contact:
Kit Wagar
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Four probable cases of swine flu found in Kansas City area

Missouri health officials on Saturday discovered four probable cases of swine flu from the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The new findings bring the number of probable or confirmed cases in Missouri to eight.

The four cases were found during testing of specimens sent to the state Public Health Laboratory by doctors whose patients reported flu-like symptoms.

Specimens from each patient will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation that it is swine flu, also known as the 2009 H1N1 virus. Within the next week, Missouri’s state Public Health Laboratory will have the ability to perform the tests necessary to confirm the presence of H1N1.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Saturday that a Kansas City resident currently receiving medical care in Nebraska has tested positive for the same virus. Because the patient is a Missouri resident, he will be counted as the second confirmed Missouri case.

Nebraska authorities say the person involved is a 19-year-old man who was in Nebraska to obtain treatment for another medical condition.

Two other probable cases were discovered Friday. They involve a father and son from Howard County in central Missouri.

Margaret Donnelly, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, said people can help limit the spread of the virus through simple steps. People should wash their hands frequently, cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People also should stay home if they feel ill to avoid infecting others.