With nearly 100 cases of swine flu in the United States confirmed through Thursday morning — including 45 cases in New York City and the first fatality in Texas — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains it's too soon to say how fast the flu is spreading. In the meantime, fire departments are preparing for possible outbreaks in their areas.

In DuPage County, Ill. the emergency operations center will remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to field calls from concerned citizens. Naperville (Ill.) Fire Department Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Dave Szablewski isn't concerned about a possible outbreak of swine flu in his town at this time, but he is watching for CDC updates. Naperville established a plan during the avian flu scare and will activate that plan if necessary.

"We have two strategic national stockpile points in Naperville," said Szablewski, "but at this point and time there's no need for access."

Las Cruces (N.M.) Fire Department Chief Adolf Zubia also will rely on plans established for the avian flu, if necessary. His department is relying on the office of emergency operations to coordinate all public-service agencies.

"We have met with our senior officers, and should there be a pandemic, the initial impact would be on staffing," said Zubia. "It's about our guys and their families. My guys are pretty smart and will make sure we protect ourselves in order to do our job."

In the meantime, departments can encourage their members to take precautions. The CDC recommends washing hands frequently with hot, soapy water and wearing N-95 masks when responding to calls if there are complaints of influenza-like illness or symptoms. People who have received the flu vaccine this past fall are still susceptible to this virus.

Departments also can urge their residents to take similar precautions. The CDC is encouraging people to stay home from school and work if they exhibit any of the the symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. More information is available on the CDC's swine flu Web site.