Post by Editor on Apr 29, 2009 15:31:00 GMT -5
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that they continue to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the swine flu outbreak in the United States, Mexico, and abroad in an effort to protect the citizens of Henry and Stark Counties.
As of Wednesday, April 29th at 11:00am, the CDC has found 91 human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in 10 states in the United States. Gail Ripka, Health Department Administrator, notes, "At this time there are still no known cases in Illinois; however we are urging all residents to take preventative measures."
Ripka adds, "The best way to protect yourself and your family is by knowing the facts about swine flu and practicing infection control measures."
Swine influenza, or swine flu, is a respiratory disease most commonly found in pigs. While not often, it is possible for humans to contract swine flu. When this happens, human to human transmission becomes possible, resulting in an outbreak.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and other viral infections and may include: fever (greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit); sore throat; cough; stuffy nose; chills; head and body aches, and fatigue. In addition, some people have reported diarrhea
and vomiting associated with swine flu.
Ripka adds, "Area residents should consider the following criteria before assuming a respiratory illness may be swine flu."
A suspected case of swine influenza may be considered in persons with acute respiratory illness who:
1) Live in an area where humans cases of swine flu have been identified OR;
2) Have traveled to an area where human cases of swine flu have been identified OR;
3) Have been in contact with ill persons from these areas in the 7 days prior to their illness onset.
The infectious period for a confirmed case of swine flu is defined as 1 day prior to showing symptoms to 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay at home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Currently there are no travel restrictions; however, on April 27th the CDC issued a travel health warning recommending that travelers postpone all non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice. The World Health Organization and the CDC are holding routine meetings and this may change.
People entering the United States who are experiencing symptoms consistent with swine flu and have traveled to an affected area (seehttp://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm for affected areas), or have been exposed to someone possibly infected with swine flu, during the last 7 days should contact their health care provider and inform them of their symptoms and any recent travel.
If you are returning from travel in Mexico, pay close attention to your health for seven days. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing during this 10 day period, see a doctor. Stay home if you are sick unless it is to get medical care.
Stay informed. The Health Department is working with the IDPH and CDC to keep area residents informed about this swine influenza outbreak. For more information on swine flu, visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.
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As of Wednesday, April 29th at 11:00am, the CDC has found 91 human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in 10 states in the United States. Gail Ripka, Health Department Administrator, notes, "At this time there are still no known cases in Illinois; however we are urging all residents to take preventative measures."
Ripka adds, "The best way to protect yourself and your family is by knowing the facts about swine flu and practicing infection control measures."
Swine influenza, or swine flu, is a respiratory disease most commonly found in pigs. While not often, it is possible for humans to contract swine flu. When this happens, human to human transmission becomes possible, resulting in an outbreak.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and other viral infections and may include: fever (greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit); sore throat; cough; stuffy nose; chills; head and body aches, and fatigue. In addition, some people have reported diarrhea
and vomiting associated with swine flu.
Ripka adds, "Area residents should consider the following criteria before assuming a respiratory illness may be swine flu."
A suspected case of swine influenza may be considered in persons with acute respiratory illness who:
1) Live in an area where humans cases of swine flu have been identified OR;
2) Have traveled to an area where human cases of swine flu have been identified OR;
3) Have been in contact with ill persons from these areas in the 7 days prior to their illness onset.
The infectious period for a confirmed case of swine flu is defined as 1 day prior to showing symptoms to 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay at home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Currently there are no travel restrictions; however, on April 27th the CDC issued a travel health warning recommending that travelers postpone all non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice. The World Health Organization and the CDC are holding routine meetings and this may change.
People entering the United States who are experiencing symptoms consistent with swine flu and have traveled to an affected area (seehttp://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm for affected areas), or have been exposed to someone possibly infected with swine flu, during the last 7 days should contact their health care provider and inform them of their symptoms and any recent travel.
If you are returning from travel in Mexico, pay close attention to your health for seven days. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing during this 10 day period, see a doctor. Stay home if you are sick unless it is to get medical care.
Stay informed. The Health Department is working with the IDPH and CDC to keep area residents informed about this swine influenza outbreak. For more information on swine flu, visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.
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