NH hospital employees monitored for swine flu

[Video at the site. Results are expected today. This story says all 3 were employees]
4 hours 31 min 7 sec ago

(NECN: Lauren Collins, Concord, NH) - Three employees at Concord Hospital are being monitored for probable and suspected cases of swine flu. There is no evidence that patient health has been compromised.

New Hampshire health officials are investigating two probable cases and monitoring a third person with symptoms. All three are employees of concord hospital and sought treatment at the horseshoe pond urgent care facility when they fell ill.

While the first probable patient stayed away from work and didn't expose anyone to the virus, Concord Hospital President and CEO Mike Green says, "Unfortunately, the second individual who has been identified is probable for swine flu and, more unfortunately the individual worked while they were symptomatic and consequently, probably contagious."

Health officials aren't specifying what roles these people hold at concord hospital, but are contacting all other staff members, patients, and patient family members they may have come in contact with. Yet, so far, there is no evidence that any patient at the hospital has been affected, nor is there anything to suggest that the one employee infected the other:

New Hampshire Public Health Director, Dr. Jose Montiero, says, "It seems they are two separate, independent events, but we are working on that part of the investigation. "

It's plausible that both cases were infected by the same source, either in the hospital or in the community. Concord Hospital is prepared to respond when the CDC releases its test results of the New Hampshire samples, which should happen by the end of the day Friday. Green says "We will (be) having additional signage as we look at our pandemic plan, how do you notify people of the risks and how do you make sure people are taking steps to protect themselves. But we're waiting for conformation."

Governor John Lynch says while he recognizes the public's concern, there is no reason to panic and notes, "The people in both of these cases here in New Hampshire have exhibited mild symptoms, they were treated soon after showing flu like symptoms, and both are recovering well after receiving anti viral treatment."

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