Mississippi Won't Need CDC For Swine Flu Tests

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi still doesn't have any cases
of swine flu, but public health officials say they'll soon be able
to detect the virus without sending specimens to the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier said the state will have
the ability to confirm any cases by next week after receiving the
reagents needed for the tests.
Currier, during Thursday's briefing, said once a case is
confirmed, the person with swine flu will be asked to stay home to
avoid transmitting it to others. Anyone else who lives in the home
will be asked to take precautions.
She said health officials won't ask others to quit going to work
unless there's an indication they also were getting sick.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)