Health Dept. Briefs Lawamkers on
State's Swine Flu Response
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today briefed members of the General Assembly on the state’s response to the outbreak of 2009 Novel A/H1N1 flu and emphasized the need for the public to continue to take steps to prevent its spread.
“In addition to the state’s first confirmed case that was reported on Sunday, there are now 18 probable cases in 11 Pennsylvania counties – a number that is certain to change,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Everette James. “While this is not cause for alarm, it is a reminder that we must continue to be watchful and prepared.”
James noted that the Department of Health is being equipped to perform the same tests that are run by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will enhance the state’s ability to more quickly confirm new cases.
The department has also received its portion of the national anti-viral strategic stockpile, but it will be kept in reserve until it is needed, James added.
“The stockpile will be distributed only where there is no available commercial supply or where probable or confirmed cases do not have access to medication,” James said. “We are strongly recommending that people resist the urge to either hoard antiviral drugs or take them as a precaution because we need to ensure that we have an ample supply of antivirals should the disease become more widespread than it is today.”
Symptoms of novel flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with this type of flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although winter is over, there is still a low level of seasonal influenza occurring in Pennsylvania.
There is no vaccine available at this time. It is important for people to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid infecting others;
• Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; and
• Seek care if you have influenza-like illness.
The Department of Health Web site is being updated daily with the most recent Pennsylvania-specific swine flu information, including links to CDC recommendations and other swine flu information. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us.
“In addition to the state’s first confirmed case that was reported on Sunday, there are now 18 probable cases in 11 Pennsylvania counties – a number that is certain to change,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Everette James. “While this is not cause for alarm, it is a reminder that we must continue to be watchful and prepared.”
James noted that the Department of Health is being equipped to perform the same tests that are run by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will enhance the state’s ability to more quickly confirm new cases.
The department has also received its portion of the national anti-viral strategic stockpile, but it will be kept in reserve until it is needed, James added.
“The stockpile will be distributed only where there is no available commercial supply or where probable or confirmed cases do not have access to medication,” James said. “We are strongly recommending that people resist the urge to either hoard antiviral drugs or take them as a precaution because we need to ensure that we have an ample supply of antivirals should the disease become more widespread than it is today.”
Symptoms of novel flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with this type of flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although winter is over, there is still a low level of seasonal influenza occurring in Pennsylvania.
There is no vaccine available at this time. It is important for people to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid infecting others;
• Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; and
• Seek care if you have influenza-like illness.
The Department of Health Web site is being updated daily with the most recent Pennsylvania-specific swine flu information, including links to CDC recommendations and other swine flu information. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us.
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