Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Update 5/1/09

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the number of confirmed H1N1 Swine Flu cases in South Carolina to 16 on Friday while Newberry Academy and Mauldin High School remain closed by virus concerns.

“All of the confirmed cases are associated with the investigation involving a school in Newberry County,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., chief of the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Bureau of Disease Control. “At this time, DHEC is conducting 22 investigations throughout the state.”

Dr. Gibson said those who have been identified as confirmed or probable cases have been instructed to stay home until they are well.

“These steps are asked not only to help exposed and infected citizens, but also to protect others from exposure and illness, and to prevent further spread,” Dr. Gibson said. “Isolation and quarantine are used to protect your family, friends and others from the virus.”

Dr. Gibson said South Carolinians should wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with their sleeve (not a hand). If anyone has signs or symptoms of influenza, avoid crowds and if symptoms become severe, contact your health care provider.

DHEC also says there are nine other probable cases in the state.

From 4/30/09

Lab results released Thursday showed that 13 South Carolinians definitely have the swine flu virus.

The lab results were announced by  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Thursday. 

The 13 people who have the virus are all associated in some way with a recent school trip to Mexico.

The trip was sponsored by an independent school in Newberry. Jerry Gibson, M.D., chief of DHECs Bureau of Disease Control, said they have been asked to voluntarily isolate themselves for a short time.

Anyone who was exposed to them is asked to voluntarily quarantine themselves at home. Those in isolation will receive appropriate care, Gibson said.

There's still a lot we do not know about the swine flu virus. But we are in constant contact with the CDC and healthcare providers around the state.

We are closely monitoring doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers to identify and track any cases that might arise.

 So far, DHEC has tested 22 residents for the virus.