Local health and law enforcement agencies are stepping up precautionary measures against the possible spread of a virulent strain of influenza.

With one case of swine flu, or the H1N1 virus, now confirmed in a Warren County woman who remains hospitalized in Georgia following a trip to Mexico, and another possible case in an infant from within the Barren River Health District, officials are working to increase the awareness of employees in infectious control procedures.

April Tracy, infection prevention co-ordinator for T.J. Samson Community Hospital, is updating staff members daily on the influenza’s progress in the United States. She is monitoring hand hygiene each day throughout the hospital and employees who have been on vacation, especially in Mexico, are also being monitored. However, the hospital is not routinely culturing employees to test for flu at this time, Tracy said.

“We are encouraging them to basically do the same things they would with seasonal flu. Use droplet protection (masks, gowns and gloves) when dealing with patients with possible flu symptoms,” she said. “And stay home if you’re sick.”

For patients, hospital personnel have enhanced the interview process, asking if they have traveled in Mexico recently, have been in areas with confirmed positive cases or been in contact with anyone else who has.

Barren River District Health Department officials announced that the county in which the sick infant resides will not be disclosed until the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta confirm the child actually has the H1N1 virus. Barren County is one of the counties served by the district.

People who think they have been in contact with someone with flu symptoms or anyone who begins to exhibit symptoms themselves need to seek medical care, according to Janarae Conway, deputy public information officer for the BRDHD. Signs of swine flu include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, coughing, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Anyone who has contact with an infected person or who has symptoms should get in touch with a doctor,” Conway said. “Some people with close contacts are being treated with preventive measures just in case.”

Preventive measures include washing hands often with soap and warm water and singing “ABCs” or “Happy Birthday” twice to allow enough time for effective washing. Hand sanitizers may also be used. When coughing or sneezing, try to do so into a sleeve rather than a hand or the open air. Transmission through vapor in the air is a primary infection mode. Try not touch hands to eyes, nose or mouth. If a tissue is used, throw it away immediately.

“When dealing with suspected cases, we wear gloves, gowns and masks,” Conway said. “We’re wearing a little more protection now. Of course, gloves are always a given.”

Local police officers are being instructed to be more aware of potential infectious situations and take additional precautions as well, according to Glasgow Police Chief Horace Johnson. Patrol officers are being reminded to assess all scenes for possible sources of exposure.

Citizens who call police dispatchers may find themselves being asked additional questions about anyone in the household who may be ill or exhibiting flu-like symptoms, said GPD public information officer Capt. Kent Keen.

Officers are also being instructed to maintain a certain distance when possible from contacts and to use personal protection equipment if necessary.

“They may be using gloves and masks like other emergency agencies, such as EMS. We’re reminding employees they have this equipment on board in their cruisers, they’ve had the equipment for years, and we’re just making officers aware of that,” Keen said. “Citizens may see the officers use gloves and respirators (if they feel the situation calls for it).”