Been to Mexico lately? Call the county

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown City Health Commissioner Neil H. Altman is asking anyone from Mahoning County who has traveled to Mexico within the past 30 days to call (330) 743-3333, Ext. 290.

The county is creating a database in case the swine flu impacts Mahoning County, he said.

The Ohio Department of Health said a 9-year-old boy from Lorain County has a mild case of swine flu and is recovering at home. As of Sunday, his was one of 20 confirmed swine flu cases in five states, which led federal health officials to declare a public health emergency and to warn that the virus could spread.

“We are being proactive for this event should it hit this area,” Altman said.

He asked that people who call be prepared to provide their name, address and telephone number, which will be shared with other public health jurisdictions outside of Youngstown.

County public health and other officials were to meet later today to discuss an area-wide swine flu strategy.