GRANTS - Local, state and national officials have been addressing anxiety about the H1N1 influenza, which has crippled Mexico City. Despite a barrage of sensational television stories, there has only been one documented case of the illness in New Mexico. There has been one fatality in Texas in a child who had recently arrived from Mexico.

State Police Sgt. Luiz Hernandez, left, and Grants Police Chief Steve Sena at the public safety meeting held by Sheriff Johnny Valdez on May 1, at the Cibola County Complex. The meeting was to discuss how area personnel would approach a possible outbreak of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. BEACON / DONALD JARAMILLO

“There is one confirmed case and six probable cases in Socorro and this has led to the closing of all schools in that community,” said Dr. Barry Ramo, a physician who appears on Albuquerque television.

Lordsburg has also closed all the schools and Carlsbad has closed a few.

Ramo stressed that, although the flu may not be too virulent at this time, it will probably return in the fall flu season, causing a higher rate of infection.

State Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia said, “We're ready to respond on a state-wide basis.”

Gabe Candalaria of the Cibola County Office of Emergency Management said, “We need to get supplies like gloves and masks and we're currently assessing the numbers we'll need.” He noted that the county currently has $5,000 in masks at Cibola General Hospital.

“We're also working on points of distribution for medications, if that becomes necessary. We're in constant contact with the State Health Department,” he added.

Peggy Jordan of the Local Emergency Planning Committee said that her group has been working since Sept. 11, 2001, on plans for a possible pandemic. “There is so much speculation about this flu that we've decided to distribute flyers on the facts of the situation,” she said. “We'll put them in public places like Wal-Mart.”

Jordan related that the state Department of Health has activated its emergency plan and is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to stay on top of the global development of the disease.

“Stay calm, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you have symptoms,” she advised.

Local officials will keep the public informed through KDSK and KMIN radio and the Beacon. Local information is also on-line at  HYPERLINK "http://www.future-foundation.com" www.future-foundation.com and www.cibolahospital.com. No district schools have been closed at this time.