The Niagara Country Health Department is looking into an outbreak of illness in the Niagara County District Attorney’s office.
At least four people in the office have reportedly fallen ill with flu-like symptoms in the past few days.
“There are some people there who are sick,” Public Health Director Dan Stapleton said. “The issue is people get sick, they immediately think it’s H1N1 (swine flu).”
Stapleton said a sample has been taken from one employee in the DA’s office and that has been sent to the Erie County Public Health Laboratory for testing. That testing is slated for later today and Stapleton said the results should be known by late Thursday or early Friday.
In the event the sample is confirmed as H1N1 Influenza A, Stapleton said the treatment is no different than of other flu strains.
“We know that H1N1 is somewhat pervasive throughout Niagara County,” Stapleton said. “That’s why we continue to urge people to take precautions like washing their hands.”
The public health chief said the flu symptoms are relatively mild and that leads many adults to go to work, even though they may feel sick. The health department recommends staying home and not returning to work until a person has been “symptom free” for 24 hours.
“After 24 hours, the person is safe,” Stapleton said.
Stapleton spoke to the Gazette on Tuesday after he and other county health department officials had wrapped up a meeting with representatives of the New York State Health Department and the federal Centers for Disease Control to review Niagara County’s plans for dealing with infectious disease outbreaks. The public health chief said the state and federal officials seemed pleased with the plan.
“We did a good job of containing (swine flu) in the schools and now they are out for the summer, so we’re concentrating on summer camps,” Stapleton said. “It’s the same message to parents, if your child is sick don’t send them to camp and if they’re at camp they need to regularly wash their hands.
Contact reporter Rick Pfeiffer
at 282-2311, ext. 2252.
Local News
HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Probing illness at DA’s office
- Local News
-
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. -
Tough time for NIMAC to ask for city funds
City officials say they are committed to helping continue military operations at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Just how much money the city of Niagara Falls will be able to pledge remains a question. -
Library board appointment vote put on hold
A request from Mayor Paul Dyster’s administration to appoint former city council candidate Alicia Laible to the library board did not come up for a vote as expected during Monday’s council meeting.
-
Landlord registration law comes under fire in the Falls
Community leaders are looking for a change in a landlord registration law they helpd create two years ago.
-
Forster officially seeking Dem chairmanship
Former Niagara County Party Chairman Nicholas Forster made it official on Monday.
-
Hayes sentence delayed in homicide case
Wilbert Hayes III was behind bars on Monday but not to begin serving his sentence for the slaying of Donald Tyree Nix.
-
NT coach fired for relations with student
A 25-year-old substitute teacher and coach has been fired by the North Tonawanda School District after an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
-
Senate passes school bus legislation
The state Senate passed a series of school bus bills on Monday that leaders say will increase safety and communication.
-
In Lockport, Man faces extradition in Vegas fraud
A former Las Vegas resident picked up at the U.S.-Canadian border on Nevada securities fraud charges was ordered held for extradition from New York on Monday, after a judge rejected his claim of diplomatic immunity.
-
Falls woman brings low-cost spay and neutering program to area
Celia Trapasso noticed a disturbing trend in Niagara Falls.
The pet owner and animal lover saw far too many animals — particularly cats — running the streets in the city. - More Local News Headlines
-
Court: CA Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Komen Official Out After Planned Parenthood Row
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
