S.B. Swine Flu Free

As public health departments across the country are trying to get a grasp on the outbreak of swine flu cases, officials in Santa Barbara said no cases have been reported anywhere in the county.

There have been 20 cases confirmed in the United States, at least six of which were in California, as the federal Department of Health and Human Services today declared a public health emergency in the United States. In addition, various cases in Mexico have popped up, and Mexico City was shut down yesterday as a result.

The county’s Public Health Department informed all medical providers in the county Friday about the swine flu, which normally infects and causes illness in pigs. Humans can develop influenza when they are in close proximity to pigs.

Officials are recommending medical care for anyone who is experiencing flu symptoms and lives in or recently traveled to San Diego or Imperial counties; Guadalupe, Texas; or Mexico. In addition, anyone who came into contact with someone recently dealing with flu-like symptoms or who recently traveled to any of these areas might also be vulnerable.

Symptoms are similar to a regular flu infection, including fever, coughing, and lethargy.

For more info, visit the Center for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov.