4 swine flu cases reported in Aiken County

AIKEN ---The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed Tuesday that four cases of swine flu were detected in Aiken County between June 12 and 19.

Department spokesman Adam Myrick said there were no hospitalizations in those cases but that he couldn't offer more details, citing federal patient privacy laws.

Robert Visbisky, an Aiken resident and Barnwell County's finance director, said he was one of the swine flu cases.

He said he, another adult and two children contracted the virus while on a trip with Boy Scout Troop 115 of Aiken at Camp Daniel Boone in Haywood County, N.C.

He has since recovered, and he returned to work this week after a week at home.

He said his case was mild and that his wife and son didn't contract the virus, but he understands swine flu is very contagious and might have spread to others from other states at the camp.

Speaking in general about swine flu, Mr. Myrick said cases so far appear to be mild. He said what has been perplexing is how the virus has been lingering on in the heat of the summer, which typically diminishes the flu virus.

"We're still learning about this virus," he said. "It's hanging around longer than anyone expected."

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.