“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.