People in U.S. take extra precautions over swine flu

By Matthew Bigg

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Demand for hand-washing products and face masks soared in the United States on Wednesday as many people stepped up health precautions against swine flu after the first death in the country from the virus.

Drugstore chain Rite Aid Corp reported an "extraordinary spike" in national demand for hand sanitizers, wipes and soap and demand was also up for Roche Holding AG's flu drug Tamiflu, said spokeswoman Ashley Flower.

Drugstore chain Walgreens reported increased demand for products that could help keep flu at bay and said it was stocking all products recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A 22-month-old boy died in Texas of swine flu. U.S. officials said he was on a family visit from Mexico, where up to 159 flu fatalities have been recorded.

There are 91 confirmed cases in 10 U.S. states from New York to California, according to the CDC, which said the number was likely to rise.

In the California capital Sacramento, some residents rushed to buy surgical masks at drugstores, to wear over their mouths as a protection against the virus.

"I had four people in here this morning as soon as we opened up," said Tom Nelson, who sold four boxes containing 20 masks each at his busy Midtown store, Pucci's Leader Pharmacy.

Since Monday, 20 to 30 people had called or come in to buy masks and to see if Tamiflu was in stock. "We order them (masks) every day, and now the suppliers are out. If we get a run on them, we'll be out like everyone else," Nelson said.

In other signs of concern over the virus, two schools closed in California on Wednesday and at least one in Chicago because of suspected cases of the virus and high levels of absenteeism among students.

Many Americans were taking precautions at home.

Virginia Endecott of Katy, Texas described her family's response as "heightened vigilance" and said she was wiping household appliances, door handles and other surfaces at least twice a day as well as using hand wipes.

"We're probably a little more worried than we otherwise would be," she said.

MEXICO TRIPS CUT SHORT

Many people returning on Wednesday from Mexico to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport wore face masks to protect against the possible spread of the virus and some said they had cut short their trips.

Several said they were surprised not to have been subjected to additional screening and questions by U.S. Customs.