By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-834628.mp3
Dallas – For the most part Texas officials trying to contain swine flu are counting on organizations and individuals to act responsibly. At a Wednesday press conference reporters questioned that course of action. KERA's Shelley Kofler reports.
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On Wednesday state officials postponed public high school athletic competitions until May 11. They're concerned about large student gatherings and the possible transmission of swine flu.
But in most cases the same athletes will still attend classes. Even where schools are closed because of suspected cases, there's nothing to prevent students who may be exposed from going to the mall, crowded clubs or busy groceries.
In Dallas County Medical Director Dr John Carlo says he has the authority to quarantine - to restrict an individual's movement. But right now he's asking for cooperation.
Dr. Carlo: The decision really needs to be in conjunction with us providing the data, the public health knowledge, what the possibilities are, and for the facilities themselves to make decisions. Quarantine really implies somebody we think might be infected or might be sick. It's very hard to quarantine an asymptomatic individual. So we really don't think quarantine at this point is going to be effective as a control measure.
The Texas Department of Health Services website says quarantines can be enforced by various authorities including health departments, law enforcement, transportation authorities and health care providers.
Governor Rick Perry's office referred KERA to the Texas Department of Health Services(DHS) for questions about quarantines and swine flu. We were unable to reach a DHS official for comment.
The Texas Department of Health Services Quarantine factsheet is posted at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/factsheet_iso-quarn.shtm