By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-834103.mp3
Dallas, TX – With Swine Flu confirmed in Dallas County, and more confirmations pending, health officials are urging caution for both citizens and travelers. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more
Dallas County Medical Director, Doctor John Carlo, has already confirmed 3 swine flu cases. Almost sure he'll see more, he's urging extreme caution. The virus has been deadly in Mexico, killing more than a hundred. The Dallas victims have all shown mild symptoms. Carlo worries that could change without warning.
Doctor John Carlo: If you think you're sick with the flu see your doctor promptly. There is treatment available, it does help in this situation. If you're not feeling well, stay home. Don't take the chance of getting your fellow co-workers sick.
Carlo says there's not enough known yet about how contagious swine flu is. Some people may have it, and infect others, but show no symptoms. Because of deadly cases in Mexico, officials are worried about travelers crossing the border. Eric Wesley is with the Greyhound Bus company, which also runs Americanos. Its buses make 12 round trips daily between Dallas and Mexico.
Eric Wesley: We use alcohol based products, to make sure, as I mentioned 60 percent to make sure we're wiping everything inside the bus. Because we want to make sure when people get off the bus and the next group of passengers do get on, they can feel assured they have nothing to worry about.
There are no travel restrictions between the U.S. and Mexico, and Greyhound says it has no plans to change its schedule. County officials want all bus employees and passengers to wash their hands with at least a 60 percent alcohol solution, and to report any flu like symptoms to a doctor. They say a fever usually accompanies the flu. Dallas county will distribute flu warnings to Dallas's 20 bus companies that serve Mexico.