FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2009

                                                                         For More Information & Contacts Call:
                                                                         Swan Lake Visitors Center/Swan Lake-Iris Gardens
                                                                         (800) 688-4748 or (803) 436-2640 
                                                                         Email: tourism@sumter-sc.com
                                                                         Web Address: www.sumtersc.gov

 

CITY OF SUMTER, SC - Probable confirmation of the swine flu virus in at least two cases was reported in South Carolina by The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.  The release was made yesterday April 28, 2009.   

The City of Sumter is in contact with the local Emergency Management Agency and receiving continues updates as they are made available.  At this time there are no reports of the virus in the City of Sumter.   

There’s still a lot of uncertainty about this virus. But we will stay in constant contact with the CDC and healthcare providers around the area and state.  We have added a link directly to DHEC on our website www.sumtersc.gov for their latest updates and other resource links.

Prevention is helpful to fight the spread of the flu virus by washing your hands thoroughly and often. They ask that you stay home if you are sick for this is not only to help those possibly exposed but to protect others from exposure. Cover your cough with your sleeve, not your hand and stay away from people who are sick.  Eating healthy and getting plenty of rest is also beneficial for overall good health.    

It takes approximately 48-72 hours for symptoms of the swine flu to show up after a person has come in contact with the virus.  If you begin to show symptoms of the flu, call your healthcare provider.  The treatment drugs are called Tamiflu and Relenza.  There is no evidence that you can get swine flu from eating pork. 

The City of Sumter will continue to update you as information comes available.