County Health Nurse gives aid at quarantined San Isabel scout camp

 

Custer County public health nurse Donna McDonnell and other local health personnel were called to help treat scouts after they were quarantined following a flu outbreak at San Isabel Boy Scout Camp last week. One adult and a Boy Scout, both from Texas, ultimately tested positive for swine flu.

The 410-acre camp is located in the San Isabel National Forest off Highway 165 in Pueblo and Custer counties.

Fourteen boy scouts and an adult, all from Texas and Kansas, were isolated after showing signs of flu. Both states have reported cases of swine flu.

One adult leader and one Boy Scout, both from Plano, Texas, later tested positive for H1N1 influenza or swine flu as it is commonly called.

Treatment is the same no matter the strain of flu. That treatment includes fluid and rest, as well as monitoring to make sure the ill do not develop complications such as pneumonia.

Pueblo County health officials reported quick action by local health personnel and camp staff minimized the spread of the flu.

The sick campers were isolated from the healthy ones and health officials supervised the disinfecting of affected areas.

At the time, there were some 180 Boy Scouts and 80 adults at the camp. Many of them were from southern Colorado.

None of the flu cases were serious and all made a full recovery. The Texas and Kansas troops returned home on June 20.

Flu-like symptoms have been reported in Pueblo and Custer counties, however, there have been no previously confirmed cases of swine flu. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue. If symptoms worsen or an infected person has an underlying illness such as asthma or heart disease, then seeking medical attention is a must.

To help prevent the flu, health officials recommend frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth. Those who are sick should also stay home to avoid affecting others.

Stockpiling a two-week supply of medication, food and water is also suggested should a flu epidemic occur.

For more information, call the Custer County public health agency at 783-3369.

– Nora Drenner