McHenry Man Who Visited Mexico. McHenry County’s First Probable Case of Swine Flu

A 40-year old McHenry man, recently back from Mexico, is believed to be the first case of swine flu in McHenry County.

The McHenry County Health Department has issued the following press release:

WOODSTOCK – McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has its first probable case of swine flu. According to lab results from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), a 40 year old male from the City of McHenry has tested positive for swine flu and has not been hospitalized.

This case revealed a recent trip to Mexico. Additional testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will confirm the diagnosis later in the week.

The Department of Health will continue to monitor this changing situation and provide the latest information on swine flu for the protection of its residents at www.mcdh.info.

A call center has also been activated (815-334-4510, select option 1). Centegra Health System also has set up a call center to address questions about swine flu (877-Centegra or 815-236-8347).

Reducing transmission of swine flu is the primary goal. Good health habits – washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you’re sick – are all ways to protect families from spreading the flu.

If you have a cough, fever (greater than 100 degrees), sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and have recently traveled to Mexico (or an area with known swine flu cases) or been exposed to someone who is ill, you should contact your doctor. Antivirals are provided by prescription only for treatment of swine flu.

This outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected. Access the CDC’s webpage at www.cdc.gov/swineflu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO. In Spanish, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.html.


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