Posted:
May 10, 2009 02:14 PM EDT
Updated:
May 10, 2009 02:30 PM EDT
by Channel 2 News staff
Sunday, May 10, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services said Sunday a crew member on a cruise ship sailing in Alaska waters is the first suspected case of swine flu in Alaska.
The Serenade of the Seas crew member is said to be recovering from a probable infection of the H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control tested the person at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory because the illness began in Washington on May 2 and is in the process of verifying the results.
The DHSS press release said the crew member is in isolation onboard the Royal Caribbean ship and has completed a course of antiviral medication.
"The Serenade of the Seas medical staff members have done an excellent job in caring for the patient, following strict isolation procedures in order to prevent spread to others onboard the ship, and notifying state and federal health officials of the patient's illness," said Dr. Jay Butler, Alaska's chief medical officer.
One other crew member on the ship was diagnosed with influenza last month while in California, but it was not suspected to be swine flu. No other influenza cases have been diagnosed on the ship.
"Appropriate precautions were taken in accordance with current recommendations for controlling the spread of influenza. This is very reassuring news for Alaskans who might have come in contact with passengers and crew members who disembarked from the ship while it was in port," Butler said.
The Serenade of the Seas is a 962-foot cruise ship with a passenger capacity of 2,501.
1 comment:
It is kinda scary knowing that the virus is now affecting people on the Global scale. I wish that they would find a way to put an end to it as I feel scared even to just get out of the house.
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