Swine Flu KentuckyThousands of doses of medication that fight the swine flu are heading to the Bluegrass in preparation for the thousands who are traveling here for the Kentucky Derby. State health officials say despite the recent outbreak it is still safe to attend.
The latest global health scare has infected dozens people in the United States, but so far nobody in Kentucky has been diagnosed with Swine Flu.
"The situation right now is evolving," said Dr. William Hacker, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner. "It changes daily. The science is still evolving."
This week thousands of people in town for the Derby will be bringing their germs with them.
"If somebody has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in their chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion, that person needs immediate treatment," warned Dr. Adewale Troutman Director of Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
These are similar to the symptoms of traditional influenza.
During an outbreak, health officials often warn to stay away from group settings, but say as of now, the Derby is safe.
"There's nothing that's going to stop folks from going to Derby," Troutman said. "We have nothing in our plans that says people shouldn't go to the Derby or we're going to stop the Derby or anything like that, so if there are any rumors out there they should be totally dismissed."
Still, health officials are creating a plan just in case. It includes stocking up on medicines that can treat swine flu.
"We've requested that the CDC do supply us with our 25 percent of their traditional medications, masks, things that we would use in a really serious epidemic or influenza type outbreak," said Hacker.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will send more than 100,000 doses to match Kentucky's 120,000 treatments already in-state.
"We don't want to get caught unprepared if it does become a bigger threat," said Hacker.
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