April 30, 2009

SWINE FLU

Texas has confirmed cases of swine flu.  The original two confirmed cases of swine flu have recovered. Additionally, cases of novel swine flu have been identified in California, Kansas, and in Mexico. The characterization of the virus in Mexico shows it is the same as the swine flu virus in the Texas cases. Suspected cases are being investigated in other states.

Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness.

• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

At the present time, there are no suspect and/or confirmed swine flu cases in the Permian Basin.

The Midland Health Department will supply further information as it becomes available.

For further information call the Texas Department of State Health Services Swine Flu Hotline at 1-888-777-5320.

Media Contact: Celestino Garcia/Health & Senior Services Administrator at 681.7613

SCOOP NIGHT

Firefighters with the Midland Fire Department will take part in 31-cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins.  The event will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

While the firefighters are scooping ice cream, volunteers from the Greenwood and Northeast Fire Departments will be collecting donations along with the Midland Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association.  The donations will help them with the costs of the wild land fires this spring.

Baskin-Robbins is teaming up with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for the event.  Nationwide, ice cream lovers will visit their local Baskin-Robbins locations and help raise money for fire stations. 

At the two locations in Midland, the MFD will display their newest fire apparatus and gear.

Media Contact: Chief Russ Conley at 685.7330

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