Published: July 11, 2009 02:18 am      

NIAGARA COUNTY: H1N1 hits courthouse

Niagara County officials are taking a “common sense” approach in the wake of a positive confirmation of a case of the H1N1 virus at the courthouse building in Lockport.

County Public Health Director Dan Stapleton confirmed on Friday that an individual working in the courthouse building has tested positive for the virus commonly known as the swine flu.

Due to privacy laws, county officials cannot disclose information about the individual or their condition.

On Friday, Stapleton reinforced the same message he’s been delivering for weeks about the presence of the H1N1 virus in Niagara County: It’s here, it is contagious and the best way to protect yourself is through proper hygiene practices.

“The message is that it’s safe,” Stapleton said of the courthouse building. “People shouldn’t be concerned about doing business there or at any other business, as long as they follow the proper precautions.”

Stapleton said the positive test results were returned on Wednesday. He said he is not aware of any other individuals who work at the courthouse who are being tested for H1N1 at this time. He added that people working in the building and residents seeking services there should continue to go about their daily business, keeping in mind health department recommendations for proper hygiene. He said the most important thing people can do is wash their hands frequently.

H1N1 flu symptoms are relatively mild, leading many adults to go to work, even though they may feel sick. The health department recommends staying home and not returning to work until a person has been “symptom free” for 24 hours. Stapleton said adults should keep their children home from summer camps if they exhibit signs of illness.

“People shouldn’t be any more concerned than they are during the regular flu season,” Stapleton said.

During his regularly scheduled news conference Friday, County Manager Gregory Lewis also said there are no plans to change the hours of service at the courthouse in Lockport or at the Angelo Delsignore courthouse building in Niagara Falls. He said cleaning crews working at both locations have been instructed to use extra care this weekend. He said the county also will begin making antiseptic tissues available to employees and the public at various locations throughout both courthouse buildings.

Lewis said he’s confident the health department is keeping the situation in the proper perspective and he encouraged residents to follow their lead and their recommendations for preventing illness.

“They are going with the facts,” Lewis said. “They are level-headed, they are using common sense and they are doing it without panic.”

Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250