Valley has first swine flu report

WASILLA — The first case of the H1N1 virus has been confirmed in the Mat-Su Valley.

According to a Mat-Su Borough press release, a North Slope worker who lives in Wasilla tested positive for the virus commonly known as swine flu. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reports Patient #13 is a male in his 30s and has no history of recent out-of-state travel. Officials have no information about where he may have contracted the virus.

The news comes on the same day the World Health Organization raised its alert level for the H1N1 virus to the pandemic or phase 6 level. The alert level reflects the spread of the disease, not the severity, according to the press release.

The press release offers tips to limit the spread of the disease. H1N1 is spread mainly from person to person from coughing or sneezing. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm, and wash your hands often. Stay home for seven days after the symptoms appear if you think you have contracted the disease.

For more information, call the borough’s incident information hotline at 761-3790.