Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Latest H1N1 Flu Update from Allen County

North American Human Influenza Virus (H1N1)STATUS REPORT – 5/5/09 from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health

STATE/LOCAL EFFORTS

  • No new cases as of now in Allen County, Indiana has 3 confirmed cases.
    Residents can still call the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health’s influenza hotline at 449-7506 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Health care providers who have questions about what should be released to the media can call the toll-free number for providers at: 1-866-233-1237, from 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. daily.
  • Although the CDC guidance for testing has recently changed, in Indiana we will continue to test those persons who present with Fever > 100o F and either a sore throat or cough who:
    o Are hospitalized
    o Or who have traveled within 7 days to a community either within the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) cases
    o Or present to our sentinel sites for assessment

ACTIONS PEOPLE CAN TAKE

  • Listen to advice of public health officials.
  • Review your family emergency preparedness plans.
  • Practice good respiratory hygiene:
  • 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.
  • If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

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