The following is a brief of the story. For the full version, see the Monday, May 4 print edition of the BDN.

Swine flu has struck closer to home. Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services reported there are two probable cases of swine flu, or H1N1 virus, in Howard County. Officials are saying the case involves a father and son who had recently traveled to Mexico.

Margaret Donnelly, DHSS director, said Saturday that both patients had been notified of their condition and were being treated with antiviral medication. The father and son were experiencing flu symptoms and were advised to stay at home for the next week to avoid spreading the illness. Local health officials were notifying people who had contact with the two patients.

Connie Tebbe of the Howard County Health Department, said their office is confident the outbreak is contained.

“We kept it in pretty good perspective. It’s contained to the family,” Tebbe said. “We feel good about it.”

The son is not school age and was not in daycare Tebbe said. She said most of the contact was within the family and that they are now nine days out without symptoms. Tebbe said at this point there is no reason close schools.

To contact Amber Christian, email amber@boonvilledailynews.com