Chattanooga Pulse

The growing fears over the Swine Flu pandemic have hit closer to the Tennessee Valley, with the first confirmed case in Georgia and a second case in Tennessee have been reported. A 30-year-old woman from Kentucky who had visited LaGrange recently, has been diagnosed with virulent flu strain. 

Georgia Governer Sonny Perdue was quick to reassure worried Georgians, explaining that the woman was just a visitor to the state and had recently returned from a trip to Mexico, where it appeared she was exposed to the virus. 

“The state of Georgia has worked diligently over the past several years to prepare for a situation like this, and we are partnering with local and federal officials to respond appropriately,” Gov. Perdue said on Thursday.  “I encourage Georgians to follow the advice of public health professionals and take the recommended precautions to protect themselves and their families. At this stage, the simplest things – washing hands and using disinfectants – can be the most effective safeguards.”

In Tennessee, a second case has been identified in Collierville.  A student at Incarnation Catholic School in the West Tennessee town became ill with the H1N1 virus, as swine flu is officially known, prompting the immediate closure and cleaning of the school.  This comes on top of two cases involving students in Huntsville, Alabama, which resulted in a number of schools closing as well.

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen echoed Perdue’s comments,  telling reporters at a press conference that as ”diagnosis of the illness continues, we must following the guidance of the state and federal health officials by staying home when we are sick and practicing good hygiene by washing our hands frequently. These small steps will help slow the spread of this illness.”

If you believe you may have come in contact with the H1N1 virus, please contact your health care provider or nearby hospital immediately.  Symptoms include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Effective treatment is available, so prompt medical attention is highly recommended.