A 42-year-old resident of Gush Chalav in the Upper Galil is suspected of having contracted swine flu, exhibiting flu-type signs and symptoms. The man recently returned from a visit from the United States, near Mexico, and he was admitted to Rebecca Ziff Hospital in Tzfas on Monday, placed in isolation.
 
The father of four returned to Israel eight days ago. Telling doctors he has been feeling the flu-related illness for a number of days, but only decided to go to an emergency room on Monday.
 
Emergency room chief Dr. Amar Hussan reports the appropriate precautionary steps were taken and blood samples were sent to the lab in Tel Aviv’s Tel Hashomer Hospital to determine if he is indeed infected with swine flu.
 
Other family members have been instructed to remain home until the lab results are available with a positive diagnosis.
 
Health officials on Tuesday morning also report a 31-year-old male who recently returned from the United States has been placed in isolation in Assaf HaRofeh Hospital, feared to be infected too. To date, seven Israelis have been confirmed to have contracted swine flu.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)