Oklahoma Governor Henry Says Oklahoma Preparing for Possibility of Swine Flu Cases in State

April 27, 2009 -- Oklahoma City — While Oklahoma currently has no confirmed cases of swine flu, Gov. Brad Henry said today that state officials are being vigilant in the event any cases emerge.

“This is a serious health concern that demands attention and alertness,” he said. “Oklahoma’s healthcare, public safety and emergency management communities are working hard to ensure that we are prepared if and when any cases of swine flu are confirmed in the state.”

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Swine flu cases in the U.S. have been confirmed in New York, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio.

The state Department of Health is bolstering its influenza surveillance and asking healthcare providers to consider testing for influenza patients with flu-like symptoms, particularly if they have traveled to Mexico.

Gov. Henry said his office is monitoring the situation with healthcare and emergency management officials.

“In the meantime, I urge Oklahomans to take commonsense measures to guard against the illness,” he said.

“Panic is not helpful, but caution is. That means practicing proper hygiene and visiting a healthcare provider if you start having symptoms consistent with the flu.”

The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza and include: fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.

Source: Oklahoma Governor