Youngstown swine-flu alert sparks 100 calls from visitors to Mexico

A Boardman hospital restricts visitations as an added infection-control measure.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — More than 100 people who have traveled to Mexico in the past 30 days heeded the city health commissioner’s call to become part of a database, to be used should swine flu become a problem in this area.

Youngstown Health Commissioner Neil Altman said he had received more than 100 calls by mid-afternoon Tuesday, the first day his request became public.

Altman is asking anyone from Mahoning County who has traveled to Mexico within the past 30 days to call (330) 743-3333, ext. 290. Swine flu is entering the United States and spreading via visitors to Mexico and counties in Southern California and Texas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Altman asked that callers be prepared to provide their name, address and telephone number, which will be shared with other public health jurisdictions should it become necessary.

He said most who called volunteered the information, and even those who were initially skeptical cooperated once he explained the purpose for gathering the data.

No new cases of swine flu were confirmed Tuesday in Ohio, beyond that of the 9-year-old boy from Lorain County who was reported over the weekend, according to ODH.

In the meantime, Akron Children’s Hospital put a “restricted visitors” policy in effect Tuesday at its main campus and the Beeghly Campus in Boardman as an added infection-control measure in response to the swine flu.

For the time being, hospital officials say only primary care givers will be allowed to visit patients to limit the risk of potential flu carriers from entering the hospital.

Akron Children’s is also asking families to limit the number of family members and friends who accompany patients to Akron Children’s emergency department and outpatient surgery waiting room. The policy is also in effect at Akron Children’s primary care offices and other facilities.

“We have made this decision to be proactive and are fully prepared for any potential situation. Our standard infection control procedures remain in place, supplemented in this case due to the uncertainty of the still-evolving swine flu outbreak. We are not overly concerned but want to take appropriate, responsible steps to protect our patients and staff.” said Dr. Norman Christopher, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics.

In addition to the restricted visitor policy, hospital staff members are asking patients who come to the emergency room with flu-like symptoms if they, or other family members, have recently traveled to Mexico, Texas or California, where most of the swine flu cases have been reported so far.

Forum Health and Humility of Mary Health Partners, the area’s other hospital systems, have not instituted restricted visitation policies.

Spokeswomen for both hospitals, however, are advising people who feel sick to call their doctors.

If they come to a Forum Health emergency room with flu-like symptoms, they will be masked and given nasal swabs to determine if they have the flu, an official said.