CHICAGO (CBS/STNG/AP) ― It sounds and looks like the normal, seasonal flu, but it has already killed dozens of people in Mexico, and public health officials say sooner or later, the disease is headed for Chicago.
On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared the swine flu outbreak a public health emergency.
There were no reported cases of swine flu in Illinois Monday morning. But the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and the Chicago Public Schools are monitoring it.
CBS 2's Pamela Jones reports that detecting the swine flu among all the other types of colds and flu will be a difficult task.
"As a parent, you won't know the difference. Your child is still going to be entitled to the regular flu," said Dr. Terry Mason, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Health officials gathered Sunday afternoon to detail their strategy for fighting swine flu when it hits here.
"What we're going to be looking for is an unusual cluster or an unusual number of children, or even adults, that have these flu-like symptoms, so that we can begin to better screen which people need to be further tested," Mason said.
So the Department of Public Health is now in surveillance mode, linked with hospitals across the city, creating statistics and tracking patient symptoms.
"We're watching the whole city. We've sent out alerts to all the hospitals. We've identified all of the persons that may come into touch with people so that they know to look for these abnormal patterns," Mason said.
The Chicago Public Schools are also watching. Officials are e-mailing principals with details on an internal swine flu protocol they are launching.
The memos list what information principals should give to concerned parents, and setting up an internal hotline. They are also advising schools to call the families of sick students to get specifics on their illness.
"They're going to be asked a few simple questions just to help determine whether any of the symptoms match; what Public Health believes may be associated with the swine virus," said Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Ron Huberman.
But even with all the preps, this illness brings some serious challenges.
"This strain of swine flu is a new strain. And not a lot is known about it," said Dr. Terry Mason of Chicago Department of Public Health. "Like how ill infected persons become and how easily it may be passed from person to person and so forth."
On the statewide side, the Illinois Department of Health promised to monitor any outbreak and urged precautions against the potentially deadly disease.
"Many people travel from, to and through Illinois and it is imperative to take precautions and protect against illness," said Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The federal public health emergency declaration provides help to federal and state government agencies to protect you. For example, about 12 million doses of the drug Tamiflu are being released from a federal stockpile in case they're needed.
Meanwhile, new cases of swine flu keep surfacing. Right now there are 20 confirmed cases in the United States. The newest one is in Ohio. And the eight suspected cases at a New York high school have also been confirmed. Officials there are now testing more students.
In Canada, health officials are reporting four confirmed cases in the province of Nova Scotia. So far none of the cases in the U.S. or Canada have been fatal, but that's not the case in Mexico where health officials believe 86 people have died from the illness. New Zealand, France and Israel have all reported suspected cases, and there is late word of a suspected case in Spain.
Swine Flu Brings Alarm To Airports
There is also a lot of concern about swine flu at the airports. Authorities are now asking travelers about their health if they're entering the country from somewhere with confirmed cases. Passengers won't be barred from getting into the country, but they could be sent for testing.
"People who have recently traveled to impacted areas and have flu symptoms need to see a doctor and be tested so we can determine if swine flu is present in Illinois sooner rather than later," Arnold said. "Aside from seeking medical attention, these people should stay home if sick."
He suggested travelers returning from Mexico pay close attention to their health for around a week, and he recommended they see a doctor if they develop a fever, cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot talked to travelers at O'Hare Airport about their concerns.
Ana Flores is heading to Mexico City to visit relatives.
"It strikes a fear but we're going, you know, whether that's going on or not," said airline passenger Ana Flores.
Flores says while the swine flu cases in the Mexican capital are unnerving, her plans aren't changing.
"We have family members over there, but I'm hoping we come back okay, 'cause it's not going to be like a long stay," Flores said. "We're just going for a week and just to see family, so we're not going to be in any public places, I guess."
Those visiting Mexico City for a short time say they're not too concerned, but those who live in Mexico City, say they're going to be cautious.
Jose Perea came to Chicago from Mexico City Thursday. He says he received constant calls from friends telling him about the swine flu outbreak. They described those in public wearing surgical masks, which are now in short supply. Schools are also closed.
"I am afraid because, one symptom of that and this is too dangerous," Perea said.
Ana Rico and Carlos Martinez also call Mexico City home.
"Well, yeah, I'm concerned," Rico said.
"Probably what we should do is just stay home. If we feel a very small symptom, just go to a hospital," Martinez said.
Meantime, Martinez says he hopes the swine flu epidemic doesn't affect tourism in his country.
"Don't be afraid to go to Mexico," Martinez said. "This should be over in a few days. Hopefully."
The CDC will be passing out yellow cards to travelers who are returning from areas where there have been confirmed cases of swine flu. The cards will have the swine flu symptoms to watch for such as a fever over 100 degrees, coughing, respiratory problems, diarrhea or upset stomach. People showing these signs seven to ten days after traveling are advised to see a doctor.
Because of the outbreak, United Airlines is giving Mexico City passengers a break. The carrier is waiving penalties for customers who want to reschedule their trips. Rescheduling usually costs a minimum of $150.
There's no vaccination to prevent swine flu, but there are two prescription drugs that can help with the symptoms: Tamiflu and Relenza. Both are available in Chicago.
On Saturday, Deerfield-based drug maker Baxter International Inc. said it had asked the World Health Organization for a sample of the flu strain so it could work to develop a vaccine.
A Baxter spokesperson tells CBS 2: "One of the advantages of Baxter's vero-cell technology is it allows the company to rapidly produce a vaccine in response to a pandemic."
Swine Flu Facts:
The CDC says even though you may have gotten the flu vaccine, you may not be protected against swine flu. However, older people, who may have been exposed to flu viruses many times may have some natural immunity.
Swine flu is a disease that normally just infects pigs, but there are cases of humans getting the disease, and of humans transferring it to other humans.
Seasonal flu symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Reported swine flu symptoms also include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Health officials say it is important to keep in mind that this is a new strain of the virus.
For more information and updates on the swine flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or call 1-800-CDC-INFO
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