Idaho public health officials prepare for swine-flu

BOISE — State public health officials say they are coordinating with hospitals and pharmacies to make medication and masks available if needed for a swine-flu emergency.

So far, throat swab samples from nine Idaho residents have been or will be tested for the virus. The virus has been ruled out in three of those cases.

Tom Shanahan, spokesman for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, says the department is taking all precautions and checking all flu reports against the swine-flu strain.

Across Idaho, administrators with the state's seven health districts are deciding how to respond to swine flu.

Dave Fotsch, from the Central District Health Department, says staff is working with pharmacies in Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties to identify how much antiviral medication is available in commercial pharmacies.