04-26-2009, 07:56 AM
Kansas Couple Contracts Swine Flu
State Describes Illnesses As 'Mild'
TOPEKA, Kan. -- Kansas health officials say they've confirmed two cases of swine flu in a married couple living in central Kansas.
The man and woman, who live in Dickinson County, were not hospitalized and the state is describing their illnesses as mild.
Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, the state health officer, said "Fortunately, the man and woman understand the gravity of the situation and are very willing to isolate themselves."
The man traveled to Mexico last week for a professional conference and became ill after he returned home. His wife became ill later. Their doctor suspected swine flu but it wasn't confirmed until flu specimens were flown to the federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
The state declined to provide more information about the couple.
A strain of the flu has killed as many as 68 people and sickened more than 1,000 across Mexico. The World Health Organization chief said the strain has "pandemic potential" and it may be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said besides the two confirmed cases in Kansas, there are nine in California and Texas.
Samples from New York have been sent to the CDC for more testing. Results are expected Sunday.
Stay with KMBC 9 News and kmbc.com for more details about this developing story.
<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.kmbc.com/news/19290459/detail.html">www.kmbc.com/news/19290459/detail.html</a><!-- w --> - 8 hours ago
State Describes Illnesses As 'Mild'
TOPEKA, Kan. -- Kansas health officials say they've confirmed two cases of swine flu in a married couple living in central Kansas.
The man and woman, who live in Dickinson County, were not hospitalized and the state is describing their illnesses as mild.
Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, the state health officer, said "Fortunately, the man and woman understand the gravity of the situation and are very willing to isolate themselves."
The man traveled to Mexico last week for a professional conference and became ill after he returned home. His wife became ill later. Their doctor suspected swine flu but it wasn't confirmed until flu specimens were flown to the federal Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
The state declined to provide more information about the couple.
A strain of the flu has killed as many as 68 people and sickened more than 1,000 across Mexico. The World Health Organization chief said the strain has "pandemic potential" and it may be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said besides the two confirmed cases in Kansas, there are nine in California and Texas.
Samples from New York have been sent to the CDC for more testing. Results are expected Sunday.
Stay with KMBC 9 News and kmbc.com for more details about this developing story.
<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.kmbc.com/news/19290459/detail.html">www.kmbc.com/news/19290459/detail.html</a><!-- w --> - 8 hours ago