PARK CITY — The first case of swine flu has been confirmed in Utah, officials announced Saturday morning at a press conference at the Park City Library.
The Utah Department of Health on Sunday reported four new, probable cases of Influenza A, H1N1, all in Summit County, bringing the statewide total to 1 confirmed and 13 probable cases of residents infected with the novel virus.
Utah's new cases are part of an international uptick in infection figures, with 264 new, confirmed cases added globally in the last 24 hours, including 66 new confirmations in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization.
WHO reports worldwide totals as of Sunday afternoon are 898 confirmed cases, with 226 of those in the U.S.
A school-age child from Park City contracted the disease after traveling to Mexico over spring break but has fully recovered, said Steve Jenkins, director of the Summit County Health Department.
The confirmation came after officials sent swabs to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further testing.
"The Health Department is working closely with local agencies ... in response and control of this disease," Jenkins said. "We are continually evaluating the situation and updating our plans accordingly."
With the positive confirmation, the Park City School District, which closed after school on April 29, will remain closed at least until May 10 to reduce other possible transmission of the virus, said Tom VanGorder, the district's director of student services.
There are nine other probable cases of the flu in Utah plus the one confirmed case, said David Sundwall, executive director of the Utah Department of Health. The results from those tests are expected during the weekend.
Of the nine probable cases, six are from Summit County, two cases are from Salt Lake County and one case is from the Weber-Morgan Health District.
"Common sense tells me this is the tip of the iceberg," Sundwall said.
However, Sundwall said this is not a cause for panic as the flu seems to be behaving like the common seasonal flu. He was to speak with Utah's 12 health departments Saturday to discuss individual responses to the confirmation.
"Thus far this has been relatively mild," Sundwall said. "This is a novel, new influenza that will play out over time as we develop a significant pool of immunity."
Utah is also slated to receive some equipment from the CDC to enable health officials to test probable flu samples in the state, rather than sending them to Atlanta, Sundwall said.
Utah is one of 22 states with confirmed cases of H1N1. The lone death occurred in Texas.
Officials continue to remind people to take proper and simple precautions by covering their mouths and noses with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze, washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, and staying home if they begin feeling ill or exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
The Utah Department of Health also recommends that ill individuals stay home for seven days or until the symptoms go away, whichever is longer.
Community-level social distancing or "keeping our distance," is also encouraged by the department as a means of limiting the spread of the illness.
However, during the press conference, Park City businesses owners expressed concern about how the public would respond to a confirmed case of H1N1 in the area. Steve McComb, an owner of three restaurants in Park City, said he's already seen a sharp drop in patrons since Wednesday.
"Business has plummeted," McComb said. "It will cost me more to stay open than to close."
Bill Malone, director for the Park City Chamber of Commerce, encouraged businesses to stay open and continue to operate as normal.
"We hope the public and our guests keep this all in perspective," Malone said. "Like with normal flu, take precautions with your personal health."
The Park City Hotel is distributing hand sanitizer to guests as they check in so they remember to keep cleanliness a priority. Front desk office manager Ben Orwyn said there have not been any cancellations since Wednesday, but other area hotels have had some.
"We're trying to keep people aware of the risk by handing out sanitizer and reminding them of basic things like washing their hands," Orwyn said. "Hopefully people will keep the sanitizer as a memento."
At the Park City Recreation Center, people were shooting hoops and jogging on the treadmills Saturday. Most seemed unconcerned that there had been a confirmed case of H1N1 and weren't allowing it to interrupt their routines.
Brandon Van, a resident of Park City exercising at the center, said he was anxious after the initial announcements of possible H1N1 in the city, but he hasn't let it change his habits.
"It's not severe enough; it's the flu," Van said. "It's not going to kill me."
With school out, high school students are enjoying the extended reprieve from education. Jack Hable, a sophomore at Park City High, was happy to hear classes wouldn't resume for another week.
"I'm pumped," Hable said. "No school, man! I don't think I'm going to get it, so I'm still going out."
As a preventative measure, the city has suspended youth programs such as sporting events and day care to reduce the potential for contamination among school-age children.
All city facilities will remain open for regularly scheduled adult classes and library services. However, anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms in public spaces may be asked to leave or be refused admittance, said Phyllis McDonough Robinson, public information officer for Park City.
Health officials are advising those who are ill with flu-like symptoms or those who have been in close contact with sick people who have visited Mexico to call their health-care provider to discuss symptoms before going to a clinic or hospital.
In Utah, the cases are dispersed in the following health districts:
Summit County 1 confirmed, 10 probable
Salt Lake County 2 probable
Weber-Morgan 1 probable
Outbreak information
The Utah Department of Health is asking Utahns to stay informed on the outbreak. For more information, visit www.health.utah.gov/swineflu. A public information hotline also has been set up at the Park City Emergency Operations Center, 435-615-5989.