H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic Reaches Knoxville, Tennessee

The swine flu pandemic has hit Knoxville, Tennessee. At least that is the word that was given via press conference on Sunday, May 03, 2009.

A student at West Valley Middle School came down sick on April 28, 2009 with what is being called a "probable case" of the H1N1 swine flu. Fortunately, the child is reported to have had a mild case and has recovered. After becoming sick at school the child was sent home and did not go back.

This is the first case in Knox County and only the 3rd in Tennessee.

As per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control the school will be closed for 7 days. It will remain closed through May 8, 2009. All school events are cancelled for this particular school. No other Knox County schools are affected.

The officials said that while West Valley Middle School is closed it will be thoroughly cleaned. This is the first time I have ever heard of a Knox County School undergoing a good scrubbing and am sure it cannot hurt.

We were also told that hand sanitizer has been ordered. It will be distributed to the schools.

The Knox County Health Department has set up a phone bank. They will be answering questions about the H1N1 Swine Flu virus through 9pm this evening. During the week, the phone bank will be open from 8:30-4:30. The number to call is 865.215.5555.

Both my girls and I are battling a heavy cold and bronchitis. It's not swine flu but I didn't want to overlook the symptoms if they develop on top of this. So, I called the hotline. The person who answered did not identify herself but she was very nice and answered my questions. She was very reassuring.

One thing that she said was that even if my children attended the school (they don't) that they shouldn't presume to have been exposed. The Knox County hotline will be open as long as needed but they can only take calls from this area.

There is no word yet on how (or if) the H1N1 swine flu will affect the high school graduation ceremonies. High School and college students from Knox County will begin graduating on Saturday, May 9, 2009.

More information is available from:
www.knoxcounty.org