JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Health Department says none of a handful of samples from people with flu-like symptoms has tested positive for possible swine flu.
The department asked medical providers last Friday to submit specimens from anyone with flu or flu-like symptoms.
Department spokesman Kit Wagar says about two dozen samples have been received so far. Wagar says the state has tested a handful and all were negative, except one that showed regular flu.
Wagar says if the state's test finds possible swine flu in any sample, the specimen will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for final testing. The state expects to receive the chemical used in such final tests by the end of the week.
Wagar says health officials are preparing for swine flu in Missouri as more cases turn up elsewhere.