05-10-2009, 10:20 AM
A couple of days ago Illinois led at 225, now we must really be the head of the list. Surprising...
Illinois leads nation in swine flu cases
By Robert McCoppin | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 5/6/2009 4:50 PM
Illinois leads the nation in the number of confirmed swine flu cases, but health officials say it's nothing to be alarmed about.
Illinois far surpassed any other state, with 225 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu Wednesday.
Part of that may be due to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorizing Illinois over the weekend to do tests to confirm swine flu cases. Not every state has such authority, and it was granted in part because the Illinois Department of Public Health previously gave employees training in CDC procedures to test the related avian flu, state spokeswoman Kelly Jakubek said.
Illinois may also have many cases, Jakubek said, because Chicago is a transportation hub with a high population.
The cases here remain mild comparable to common seasonal flu.
Because of that, the state recommended that schools with students who have swine flu stay open unless there is a high rate of illness, but that sick students stay home for a week until they're no longer contagious.
The state also reported 20 probable cases of swine flu for a total of 245.
Chicago had 102 of all cases, suburban Cook County 59, DuPage 27, DeKalb one, Kane 21, Kendall two, Lake five, McHenry two, Will 15, and Winnebago four.
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Illinois leads nation in swine flu cases
By Robert McCoppin | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 5/6/2009 4:50 PM
Illinois leads the nation in the number of confirmed swine flu cases, but health officials say it's nothing to be alarmed about.
Illinois far surpassed any other state, with 225 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu Wednesday.
Part of that may be due to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorizing Illinois over the weekend to do tests to confirm swine flu cases. Not every state has such authority, and it was granted in part because the Illinois Department of Public Health previously gave employees training in CDC procedures to test the related avian flu, state spokeswoman Kelly Jakubek said.
Illinois may also have many cases, Jakubek said, because Chicago is a transportation hub with a high population.
The cases here remain mild comparable to common seasonal flu.
Because of that, the state recommended that schools with students who have swine flu stay open unless there is a high rate of illness, but that sick students stay home for a week until they're no longer contagious.
The state also reported 20 probable cases of swine flu for a total of 245.
Chicago had 102 of all cases, suburban Cook County 59, DuPage 27, DeKalb one, Kane 21, Kendall two, Lake five, McHenry two, Will 15, and Winnebago four.
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