Navy confirms 47 ‘swine flu’ cases - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Navy confirms 47 ‘swine flu’ cases

The Navy has confirmed more than a dozen new cases of the so-called swine flu, bringing the total number of stricken sailors to 47, a Navy spokesman said Thursday.

The largest cluster of cases remains on the San Diego-based amphibious transport dock Dubuque, which has confirmed 28 cases, said Lt. Cmdr. John Daniels.

The widespread infection postponed that ship’s June 1 deployment. About 50 crew members from the Dubuque initially exhibited flu-like symptoms, and some still are being tested for the virus, also known as H1N1.

None of the sailors has been hospitalized, and some have fully recovered and returned to duty, Daniels said.

The outbreak among sailors appears to be running its course.

“I think you will see these numbers leveling off soon,” Daniels said.

The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta on May 7 designated the Naval Health Research Center as a lab that could officially confirm cases of H1N1, which has allowed the Navy to expedite the testing process, Daniels said.

All the cases except one involve sailors from the San Diego area. One Navy case was identified at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona, Daniels said.

The Navy has released no personal information about the patients, including gender or whether they were enlisted or officer.

Total confirmed Navy cases to date:

• 28 sailors from the amphibious transport dock Dubuque.

• Five sailors from Naval Special Warfare Center.

• Three sailors at Naval Base Coronado.

• One sailor at SEAL Team 7.

• One sailor from the aircraft carrier Nimitz.

• One sailor from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12.

• One sailor from Naval Medical Center San Diego.

• One sailor from Naval Dental Center San Diego.

• One sailor from the Afloat Training Group in San Diego.

• One sailor at Naval Base San Diego.

• One sailor at Camp Pendleton.

• One sailor at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77.

• One sailor at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 10.

• One sailor from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.