4-28-09 (McKINNEY, Texas) – Health authorities here have documented no confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A virus reported in Collin County as of late this morning. Epidemiologic investigations being conducted by Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) are ongoing, as reports of overall influenza activity are clearly beginning to increase in the community. 

The World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert level to Phase 4 yesterday, April 27, signifying sustained human-to-human transmission of a virus capable of sustaining community-wide outbreaks, and the increased likelihood of a pandemic. 

None of the six illnesses reported in Texas so far have been severe, but Mexico has now reported 149 deaths associated with swine influenza. 

For more information on swine flue, logon to:
www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/index.htm, and
www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/tx_flu-like_guide.shtm. 

Collin County health advisories and daily updates will be available at www.co.collin.tx.us/.