SAN DIEGO - An inmate at a downtown Chula Vista jail is the latest person in San Diego County to contract swine flu, authorities reported Friday.
The infected prisoner, whose name was withheld, was one of two inmates at South Bay Detention Facility to come down with flu symptoms this week, according to sheriff's officials. The other has not tested positive for the H1N1 virus, the cause of the ailment.
The roughly 400 people who have come into contact with the sick inmates have been quarantined and are being treated with an anti-viral drug, officials said. Also, as a precaution, social visits to all county detention facilities have been suspended until further notice.
The latest case brings the number of confirmed instances of the swine flu reported in San Diego County this year to 572, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency. Five of the patients have died from the disease.
Two of the ultimately fatal infections were reported this week. In both cases, the patient had pre-existing health problems.
Fifth Death
SAN DIEGO - A 36-year-old man has become the fifth person in San Diego County whose death is associated with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency.
The unidentified man, who had underlying health issues, died Saturday, according to the HHSA.
"We again remind all San Diego County residents to continue to be vigilant about using common-sense steps to prevent the spread of this flu by covering their coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently and properly and, most importantly, staying home if they are sick," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County's public health officer.
According to Wooten, the H1N1 influenza virus is widespread throughout the community.
It was revealed Thursday that a total of 89 out of 200 children who recently attended a five-day American Lung Association camp for asthmatic youths in Julian were sickened by swine flu.
"It's not uncommon that the virus will be seen in congregate situations like camps, long-term care facilities or other places where large numbers of people reside or gather," Wooten said.
County health officials urged the public to stay home from work or school if they have influenza-like illness or symptoms similar to the seasonal flu, which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Wooten said individuals with underlying medical conditions who are experiencing influenza-like illness or symptoms should contact their primary care physician.
