Swine flu hits 3 from Mississippi coast
The Jackson Sun
May 18, 2009
Gov. Haley Barbour said in a statement Friday that health experts had said all along that swine flu would eventually show up in the state."But, this is no time to panic; instead, it is a time to be cautious and mindful of good health practices with which you and your families are already familiar," Barbour said.
"The state Department of Health is on top of the situation in Mississippi and will continue to monitor and issue guidance as necessary. I encourage all Mississippians to stay alert for additional information."
Dr. Mary Currier, the state epidemiologist, said testing continues. "We are receiving testing from all over the state," she said.Currier said H1N1 flu resembles seasonal flu, and health officials have seen more seasonal flu cases this year than usual.
Dr. William Loper, medical director of Ridgeland's MEA clinic, said his patients often inquire about the illness.
"I'm flooded with this," he said. "People call and say they want to take Tamiflu."
Loper said Mississippians shouldn't panic."I think we just need to use a practical sense approach to this," he said, adding if you experience fever, chills and muscle aches, go to the doctor.
Several hundred Mississippians die every year from regular flu. Thompson said there is no indication H1N1 flu is more dangerous.
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