MONROE - With neighboring Rock County having its first probable case of swine flu, Monroe Clinic has started to prepare for an outbreak in Green County.
The Rock County Health Department on Friday said a "probable" case of swine flu was identified in an adult male who had traveled to "an infected area" before developing symptoms, Karen Cain, county public health officer, said in a news release. Confirmation of swine flu in the case isn't likely to be received for two to three days.
The Rock County Health Department hasn't suggested any schools or daycare centers should be closed. County clinics, hospitals and other health care providers have been notified.
As of Friday, there have been no probable cases reported in Green County.
But Monroe Clinic announced Friday it has taken steps to limit the spread of illness among its staff and patients.
The Monroe Clinic-Fast Care open house scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at ShopKo has been postponed so staff can be on hand at Clinic facilities. The event will be rescheduled for a later date.
Also, the Clinic has restricted hospital visitation of patients to immediate family members who are considered healthy. The Clinic wants to limit the number of people who visit the hospital, said Liz Carroll, Clinic director of marketing and community relations.
Earlier this week, Monroe Clinic set up a swine flu hotline for people who have symptoms of swine flu or who may have been in contact with someone with swine flu. People can call the swine flu line at 324-1043.
Carroll said people shouldn't call the hotline with general questions about swine flu.
People with general questions can call 2-1-1, Carroll said, a number set up by the state.
Carroll said parents have been calling the hotline concerned about their kids' coughs and sneezes. Although in many cases the coughs and sniffles might be unrelated to swine flu, Carroll said it's better to call the hotline, especially if symptoms include a fever.
"Fever is the most important symptom," Carroll said. "If you have a fever and are concerned, you should call the Clinic."
Symptoms of swine flu are:
• A fever greater than 100 degrees.
• Body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion.
• Diarrhea and vomiting.
Anyone with those symptoms should take the following precautions:
• Cover their nose and mouth if they sneeze or cough.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home.
• Wear a mask before entering a health care facility.
More information about swine flu is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov; the Wisconsin Web site, pandemic.wisconsin.gov; or the Illinois Web site, www.ready.illinois.gov.
The Rock County Health Department on Friday said a "probable" case of swine flu was identified in an adult male who had traveled to "an infected area" before developing symptoms, Karen Cain, county public health officer, said in a news release. Confirmation of swine flu in the case isn't likely to be received for two to three days.
The Rock County Health Department hasn't suggested any schools or daycare centers should be closed. County clinics, hospitals and other health care providers have been notified.
As of Friday, there have been no probable cases reported in Green County.
But Monroe Clinic announced Friday it has taken steps to limit the spread of illness among its staff and patients.
The Monroe Clinic-Fast Care open house scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at ShopKo has been postponed so staff can be on hand at Clinic facilities. The event will be rescheduled for a later date.
Also, the Clinic has restricted hospital visitation of patients to immediate family members who are considered healthy. The Clinic wants to limit the number of people who visit the hospital, said Liz Carroll, Clinic director of marketing and community relations.
Earlier this week, Monroe Clinic set up a swine flu hotline for people who have symptoms of swine flu or who may have been in contact with someone with swine flu. People can call the swine flu line at 324-1043.
Carroll said people shouldn't call the hotline with general questions about swine flu.
People with general questions can call 2-1-1, Carroll said, a number set up by the state.
Carroll said parents have been calling the hotline concerned about their kids' coughs and sneezes. Although in many cases the coughs and sniffles might be unrelated to swine flu, Carroll said it's better to call the hotline, especially if symptoms include a fever.
"Fever is the most important symptom," Carroll said. "If you have a fever and are concerned, you should call the Clinic."
Symptoms of swine flu are:
• A fever greater than 100 degrees.
• Body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion.
• Diarrhea and vomiting.
Anyone with those symptoms should take the following precautions:
• Cover their nose and mouth if they sneeze or cough.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home.
• Wear a mask before entering a health care facility.
More information about swine flu is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov; the Wisconsin Web site, pandemic.wisconsin.gov; or the Illinois Web site, www.ready.illinois.gov.