Twentynine Palms Marine Swine Flu Case Confirmed

The CDC confirmed that a Marine stationed in Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County was diagnosed with swine flu, said public affairs officer Jennie Haskamp Wednesday.

The Marine, who is doing well and is improving, will remain isolated at his barracks at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

About 30 other Marines with whom he may have had contact will be quarantined for five days, Haskamp said. At the end of the five days, the Marines will be returned to full duty if they do not display any symptoms, she said.

“The Marine Corps, along with all of the armed forces, is monitoring the health of our force to ensure we’re taking the necessary precautions to educate and safeguard military and civilian personnel, as well as family members,” Haskamp said.

The military did not release whether the Marine had been to Mexico recently or how he could have contracted the virus.