Hospitals taking precautions; no flu cases yet

HONESDALE — As of their last statement on May 1, Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) officials reported no confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) affecting people worldwide. The WMH Pandemic Committee is assuring the proper treatment measures, supplies and precautions are in place should a case of this “emerging” virus be confirmed in our immediate area.. Spokespersons for two more of the area’s hospitals similarly reported no suspected cases of the new influenza virus at either Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, N.Y. or Newton Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. For recommended preventive measures and other related information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at www.health.state.pa.us. You can also phone 1-877-PAHEALTH (724-3258). Some 403 confirmed cases were reported nationally on Thursday.