Health Department Prepares for Possible Fall Swine Flu Outbreak

There are no reported cases of swine flu in Muskingum County thus far, but that could change as we head into fall and approach cold and flu season.

Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department’s Dr. Vicki Whitacre says the country is preparing for a possible outbreak by producing a vaccine.

“When you make a new vaccine, it’s like any new drug. It has to be tested, and I believe there are eight different sights throughout the country that were chosen. One of those happens to be Cincinnati, ” says Whitacre.

Whitacre says the testing started over a week ago. She says the vaccine will only be available to target groups when it first comes out, but eventually, she says there’s going to be enough for everyone.

Whitacre says the Health Department is working with local schools if an outbreak were to occur.

“There are plans going on at ODH as we speak. We are actually consulting with our local school officials even today and plans will be made for that, ” says Whitacre.

The first cases of swine flu were initially reported in the US back in April.