Curry County has swine flu case

The New Mexico Department of Health reported Wednesday it has confirmed a case of H1N1 virus in a 4-year-old Curry County girl.

Todd Sandman, public relations director for Plains Regional Medical Center’s parent company, said the child was seen on May 4 at the Clovis hospital’s walk-in clinic.

The clinic staff treated the symptoms and used proper respiratory etiquette by using masks and gloves, he said.

Sandman said the child is recovering, and was never admitted to the hospital.

The health department has confirmed 46 cases of H1N1, or swine flu, in New Mexico. Five other cases are labeled as “probable” in the state.

Nationally, there are 3,352 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus in 44 states, including three deaths.

Department of Health spokesperson Deborah Busemeyer said the agency is not aware of any deaths or hospitalizations from swine flu in New Mexico.

Busemeyer said those with confirmed cases of H1N1 flu are often advised to stay home for seven days.

Ken De Los Santos, the emergency management director for Clovis and Curry County, said residents should adhere to “common sense” practices to avoid the virus, including frequent hand washing.

The confirmed and probable cases and the New Mexico counties in which they have occurred, according to The Associated Press: 11 in Hidalgo, eight in Eddy, six each in Bernalillo and Socorro counties, five in Dona Ana, four each in Valencia and Luna, three in Sandoval and one each in Curry, San Juan, Sierra and Taos.

State officials have said the illnesses in New Mexico have been mild so far.