Two Probable, Two Possible Cases of Swine Flu in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Public Health Department


For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2009

Two Probable, Two Possible Cases of Swine Flu in LA County
Cases have NOT been laboratory confirmed; results expected within four
days

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Jonathan E.
Fielding, has announced that there are two probable cases and two
possible cases of swine influenza in Los Angeles County. All of the
cases have recently traveled to Mexico. The two probable cases include
an 11-year-old and a 52-year-old who have tested positive for influenza
type-A, but have not yet been confirmed to have swine flu. The possible
cases include a 69-year-old and a 60-year-old who have exhibited
flu-like symptoms, but have not yet had testing. Results are expected
within four days.

"These cases do not yet indicate that we have laboratory confirmed
swine influenza in Los Angeles County, but it is likely," said
Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health
Officer. "Although we have not yet confirmed a case in LA County, we
have increased our surveillance activities in the past week, and we
believe that we will find swine influenza here in the county. Possible
swine flu cases take several days to be confirmed through lab
testing."

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is also
investigating three possible flu clusters in three schools located in
the Santa Clarita Valley and San Pedro. Laboratory results on these
clusters are expected by the end of the week.

"It is important for the public to keep in mind that the best
approach to prevent getting seasonal or swine influenza is good hygiene,
such as frequent hand washing, covering their mouth when they cough or
sneeze, and staying home if they are sick, in order to prevent the
spread of any kind influenza,"

For more information on swine influenza and for frequent updates as to
the status of swine influenza in Los Angeles County, please check the
Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and
improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles
County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and
services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control,
and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000
employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more
about Public Health and the work we do, please visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

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