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• SWINE FLU
FLORIDA - With the state's second death.... and more than 550 others sick....Florida health officials want to make sure people don't forget to keep their guard up against the swine flu.
As Channel Three capitol reporter Whitney Ray tells us....the plan is to use schools to fight the outbreak if it worsens.
The H1N1 Swine Flu Virus has claimed the lives of two Floridians. A 9 year-old boy became the first victim. A 30 year-old Seminole County woman died earlier this week. In both cases other illnesses contributed to the deaths.
Doc Kokol / Florida Health Department
"We will probably see more hospitalizations and perhaps more deaths involved with this."
The number of swine flu cases in Florida has quietly risen to 556 since the first case was confirmed in May. Scott McPherson, a pandemic expert, says the virus poses a serious threat.
Scott McPherson / Pandemic Expert
"This is a very new, very young virus it has not entrenched itself in everyplace in this country yet, but it is continuing to grow. It is continuing to infect people."
Swine flu has claimed 87 lives nationwide 17 in the past week.
Whitney Ray / Reporter
"And if the pandemic gets worse, schools could become key to helping fight an outbreak."
School districts have pandemic plans in place.
Wayne Blanton / Florida School Boards Association
"There is actually a state plan, in the case of a huge natural disaster to turn certain schools in every district into mini clinics and mini hospitals if we have to."
Swine flu vaccinations could also be administered at schools once enough doses have been produced.
It's important to note that the seasonal flu claims 36-thousand lives in the us every year.
That's far more than the 87 swine flu deaths in America since April.
As Channel Three capitol reporter Whitney Ray tells us....the plan is to use schools to fight the outbreak if it worsens.
The H1N1 Swine Flu Virus has claimed the lives of two Floridians. A 9 year-old boy became the first victim. A 30 year-old Seminole County woman died earlier this week. In both cases other illnesses contributed to the deaths.
Doc Kokol / Florida Health Department
"We will probably see more hospitalizations and perhaps more deaths involved with this."
The number of swine flu cases in Florida has quietly risen to 556 since the first case was confirmed in May. Scott McPherson, a pandemic expert, says the virus poses a serious threat.
Scott McPherson / Pandemic Expert
"This is a very new, very young virus it has not entrenched itself in everyplace in this country yet, but it is continuing to grow. It is continuing to infect people."
Swine flu has claimed 87 lives nationwide 17 in the past week.
Whitney Ray / Reporter
"And if the pandemic gets worse, schools could become key to helping fight an outbreak."
School districts have pandemic plans in place.
Wayne Blanton / Florida School Boards Association
"There is actually a state plan, in the case of a huge natural disaster to turn certain schools in every district into mini clinics and mini hospitals if we have to."
Swine flu vaccinations could also be administered at schools once enough doses have been produced.
It's important to note that the seasonal flu claims 36-thousand lives in the us every year.
That's far more than the 87 swine flu deaths in America since April.
The nation reacts as the swine flu spreads throughout the United States. Keep up to date on the latest information and what you need to do to keep your family safe.
Posted: Thursday, June 25 2009, 08:44:01 PM
• VIDEO LIST
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• PORTLAND WEATHER
Thursday Night: Clear and muggy. Lows 63 to 70. SW winds 5-10 mph.
Friday: Morning sun fades to increasing clouds. Rain arrives late. Not as hot. Highs 78 to 85. S winds 10-15 mph.
Friday Night: Rain, possibly heavy at times. Gusty winds along the coast (Esp. Penobscot Bay-East).
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• BUSINESS NEWS
Stocks slightly higher
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks have edged higher after reports on housing, manufacturing and jobs indicated the economy continues to grow slowly.
• CONSUMER INFO
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• SCIENCE/TECH NEWS
IN THE NEWS: APPLE SEEKS TO CONQUER TV -- AGAIN
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- It has already changed the way people listen to music and done much to change how people use their mobile phones.
• GET THIS
BENTON BEARDS
BENTON, Mo. (AP) -- It will be a close shave -- and the men of Benton, Missouri, can't wait.
IE6 Float Fix
