April 30, 2009

For Immediate Release

Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward and York Counties

Contact:  Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Now is the time to for all of us to prepare for H1N1 (flu of Swine origin)

The outbreak of an illness in people caused by a new influenza virus H1N1 (of swine origin) continues to grow in the United States and internationally.  CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality on April 29 from this outbreak. On April 30, Nebraska reported its first confirmed case of H1N1 along with 2 additional probable cases.  The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and even more deaths may be expected in the coming days and weeks. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. 

Vicki Duey, Executive Director of Four Corners Health Department stated that “a Phase 5 alert indicates a strong indication that a pandemic is imminent. We do not know if people will be mild, moderately or severely ill as a result of H1N1”. Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General stated that “all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.”

Duey is “strongly encouraging communities, businesses and individuals to prepare now for a possible pandemic”. 

The Four Corners Health Department continues to monitor developments and is working closely with our state and community partners to be prepared.  Four Corners encourages everyone to be informed about this illness. The following information is provided to help citizens prepare themselves and their families for this potential pandemic. 

Preventing the spread of disease is a joint effort.  People should take the following precautions to avoid illness:

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• People who are sick should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
• People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. Drugs called antivirals can reduce the consequences of contracting the flu, if taken early

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

• Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

For additional information and a list of items to have on hand for an extended stay at home go to http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/checklists.html

Four Corners will keep you informed of the situation in our district, as well as across the state and nation through the media and our website. Information on the situation is updated regularly on our website at: www.fourcorners.ne.gov.  You may call us with questions at 362-2621/toll free 877-337-3573 or email us at questions@fourcorners.ne.gov.