Swine Flu Hits Georgia

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – At a news conference, the State Division of Public Health has not released the woman's name. Officials did say the woman actually lives in Kentucky. Division director Dr. Elizabeth Ford says the woman and a friend left Kentucky for Mexico on April 17th.

FORD: "While in Cancun, she began to experience influenza like symptoms including chills, headache and fever."

Dr. Ford says the woman did not seek medical attention in Mexico. She came back to Kentucky on April 21st. Then, Dr. Ford says the woman drove to Atlanta and got to the city a week ago today to shop.

"While she was here she became sicker but did shop and on Friday continued to shop."

Dr. Ford says the woman's family has not disclosed where the woman shopped. After Atlanta, she drove almost 70 miles southwest to LaGrange. The woman has family there and attended a wedding in LaGrange last weekend. Again, Dr. Ford.

FORD: "On Saturday, went to her rehearsal dinner and on Sunday attended the wedding. But after the wedding, became ill enough that she presented at the emergency room on the 26th."

That was Sunday when she was admitted at West Georgia Health System. There, medical officials tested the woman for flu and contacted the state. State officials confirmed the woman had the flu and shortly after the CDC confirmed it was actually swine flu.

Right now, the federal government is the only entity with swine flu tests. However, Georgia and other states could get testing equipment soon.

Officials say the woman's family members have tested negative for swine flu. Wedding attendees are being contacted.

Right now, officials recommended hand washing and to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Officials are not recommending school closures at this time.