With 20 possible swine flu cases, though unconfirmed, in South Beach, Miami, and a number of suspected cases in Broward and Palm Beach, the reality of this virus is hitting closer to home. Samples from the 20 persons have been sent to test labs in Tampa and the results will not be available for a few days.


Florida’s first case of the H1N1 virus was detected in Orlando earlier this week. But reports of possible cases in South Florida are heightening tensions among some residents.

According to Dr. Xavier Mendez, family practitioner in West Kendall, Miami-Dade, over the past two to three days there has been a distinct increase in visits to his practice by parents with young children, concerned that flu-like symptoms may be the swine flu.