Family Life

04.27.09 | FL News Team

Governor David Paterson has declared a public health emergency in New York after eight cases of swine flu were confirmed. Paterson has activated New York State's health emergency preparedness plan and put the state on high alert to quickly identify and respond to any cases of swine flu.

At a Sunday news conference, Governor Paterson said a hotline received over 300 calls in the first four hours of operation regarding swine flu. The hotline number is 1-800-808-1987.

Meanwhile, officials in New York's Nassau County are waiting for lab results to determine if a resident has contracted swine flu. Health Commissioner Maria Torroella said the county's one suspected case involves a person who recently travelled to Mexico and has mild symptoms. The person was seen in an emergency room and is now recovering at home.

In Suffolk County, New York, tests on eight residents for swine flu have come back negative. The results of two more potential cases are expected shortly.

In New York City, eight students who attend a Catholic school in Queens have tested positive for swine flu. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the students, who attend Saint Francis Prep, are not seriously ill and are not hospitalized.