With one U.S. fatality so far and a growing number of laboratory confirmed illnesses in several states, there is concern regarding the spread of this new virus in the days and weeks to come. There is not a vaccine currently available for this new virus. CCHCS is working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to investigate possible cases of swine influenza. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ANY EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT WITH AN INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS BE ADVISED
TO STAY HOME IF THEY ARE ILL. ILL PERSONS SHOULD NOT GO TO SCHOOL OR WORK AS DOING SO MAY INFECT OTHERS.
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U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection (As of April 30, 2009, 10:30 AM ET) States # of laboratory confirmed cases
Deaths
Arizona 1
California 14
Indiana 1
Kansas 2
Massachusetts 2
Michigan 1
Nevada 1
New York 50
Ohio 1
South Carolina 10
Texas 26 1
TOTAL COUNTS 109 cases 1 death International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See: World Health Organization Source: www.cdc.gov
It is also important not to panic, but to use preventive measures on a daily basis to keep from becoming infected with swine influenza or any other contagious illnesses including: U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Please advise all employees and students to contact their physician immediately if they exhibit any signs or symptoms of influenza like illness (ILI). This includes fever (100 degrees or greater), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting and
diarrhea.
Remember, if a child is ill, they should not return to school for 7-10 days following onset of symptoms. In the event that an area school or child care facility closes due to H1N1 influenza, it is also necessary to remind parents that children should stay at home and avoid group settings to prevent further spread of this viral infection.
When a treating physician takes a rapid flu test in the office, and it is positive for Influenza A, it is imperative that a specimen be sent to the Dallas County Health and Human Services laboratory for further identification. If Influenza A is confirmed by the Dallas County lab, the
specimen is sent to the CDC for final confirmation. When a positive, CDC-confirmed swine flu case is identified, the Collin County Health Authority notifies school/facility administrators immediately.
The child’s treating physician will determine if the child needs any medication, such as Tamiflu or Relenza. Remember, do not use aspiring or aspirin-containing products in children 18 years or younger as it may cause Reye’s Syndrome.