Jackson Twp. woman recovering from Stark’s first swine flu case

By Cheryl Powell, Beacon Journal medical writer

A 29-year-old Jackson Township woman is at home in isolation, recovering from Stark County’s first case of swine flu, public health officials confirmed today.

The woman became ill with flulike symptoms Wednesday and was admitted to Aultman Hospital in Canton the following day, Stark County Health Commissioner William J. Franks said.

The patient was considered high risk and required hospitalization because she has asthma and other conditions, Franks said.

She was treated with anti-viral medication and responded well, he said.

”At this point in time, we’re considering this as an isolated case,” Franks said. ”We are continuing with all our health departments in Stark County to continue our surveillance to see if there will be any other cases detected.”

As of this afternoon, 44 other cases had been confirmed in 16 counties statewide, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Franklin County is reporting the highest number in the state, with 16 confirmed as of this afternoon.

”It’s out there,” Ohio Department of Health spokesman Kristopher Weiss said.

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