5 cases confirmed in Arkansas

[Rocky]

First 5 cases of A/H1N1 flu confirmed in Arkansas, mostly soldiers

www.chinaview.cn 2009-05-09 10:18:22 Print

HOUSTON, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The southern U.S. State of Arkansas has eventually confirmed the first five cases of A/H1N1 flu statewide, the state's Department of Health said on Friday.

Four of the confirmed cases are U.S. soldiers at Camp Robinson in central Arkansas, the department said, adding that the fifth case involves a school-age child in Walnut Ridge.

Officials of the department said 11 soldiers training at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock suffered flu-like symptoms. Four tested positive for the virus, four tested negative and three test results are pending. All 11 sick soldiers have been isolated.

The four confirmed cases involve two soldiers from New Jersey and two from Nevada. Officials described their symptoms as mild.

The department's announcement was the first confirmation of the disease in Arkansas.

"Once the first case was identified, steps were immediately taken to contain the spread of the illness we were dealing with," said Maj. Gen. Bill Wofford, adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/09/content_11340561.htm

It isn't updated yet on their state health website

 

[Rocky]

Re: 5 cases confirmed in Arkansas

Five Cases Of H1N1 Flu Confirmed In Ark

The Arkansas Department of Health says the five confirmed cases include four at Camp Robinson in Pulaski County and one in Walnut Ridge in northeast Arkansas. Friday's announcement was the first confirmation in Arkansas of the disease.

The department says that the virus has affected soldiers from other states who were training at Camp Robinson. Officials say the case in northeast Arkansas involved an elementary school student.

State Education Commissioner Dr. Ken James says they've taken the appropriate steps of notifying Walnut Ridge parents. The schools will not be closed, that ties in the CDC's latest guidelines and recommendations. No word on how the student contracted the disease. But health officials are looking into the child's travel history and whether he came into contact with sick people.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=84758