Officials Discuss Course Of Action

Keeping a close eye on the H1N1 influenza, officials throughout Van Zandt County gathered Monday morning in the courthouse to discuss what is being done about a "highly probable" case right here in our area.

Representatives from each city/community in the county which included law enforcement, city and school officials all came together for a briefing on what has become a great concern after a 52-year-old Ben Wheeler man was tested for the Type A influenza.

According to a press release from the Northeast Texas Public Health District in Tyler, "After investigation by the Northeast Texas Public Health District Nurse Epidemiologist, Shawn Clifford, RN, it was found to be an isolated case and that the necessary tests and precautions were taken. ‘The exposure to others was very limited and the individual is feeling much better’…"

"That is the only highly probable case in the county that we are aware of," Van Zandt County Emergency Management Coordinator Chuck Allen said.

School officials present at the meeting were also reassured that the man had no children in the school districts.

He went on to tell the representatives from the seven school districts in the county, that he and Northeast Texas Public Health District Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Vicki McAlister would work as a support staff if needed in making decisions on shutting down a school district, but that the ultimate decision was left up to the superintendent.

A Cozby-Germany Hospital representative present at the meeting said they have seen as many as 31 cases of influenza-like cases, but none have been the H1N1.

McAlister said on April 26, Texas had two confirmed cases. On May 3, Texas had 43 confirmed cases and 199 highly probable cases.

"It spreads basically the same way as the other flu," McAlister said. "The spread rate is basically the same."

McAlister said the Van Zandt County man who is the lone "highly probable" case is doing much better.

"He had no symptoms at all by the time we got this report," Allen said.

Allen said the man cooperated with health officials and quarantined himself.

When asked what steps the Van Zandt County school districts are taking to keep their students safe.

"We have restricted out of district travel for students," Grand Saline ISD Superintendent Mark Keahey said.

"We are disinfecting classrooms on a higher level," Martins Mill ISD Superintendent Todd Schneider added.

Van ISD Executive Director of Operations David Goff said his school district is restricting out of district travel and monitoring absentees as well.

McAlister explained the H1N1 influenza "is more than just the flu," that it is a combination of the seasonal flu, bird flu and swine flu.

The following precautions are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control:

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

-Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Also, try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

More information can be found on the H1N1 flu at the Texas Department of State Health Services web site www.dshs.state.tx.us.