Swine Flu – Health Advisory For Oklahoma Travelers To Mexico Issued

As a precautionary step in its monitoring and surveillance of the newly emerging swine influenza virus, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued the following public health advisory for Oklahoma travelers to Mexico: Public health advisory for travelers to Mexico The World Health Organization is reporting numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily since the beginning of April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza (“swine flu”) A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. Due to known circulation of this virus in Mexico, the Oklahoma State Department of Health is advising travelers of the following: While in MexicoAvoid close contact (< 3 feet) with persons who are coughing or otherwise appear ill. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash hands frequently, or use alcohol-containing hand sanitizer gel. Upon Return from travels to MexicoMonitor self and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.

Swine Influenza – European Union Presidency To Call Extraordinary Meeting Of Health Ministers

The Czech EU Presidency will convene an extraordinary Council of EU health ministers to evaluate the possible threat posed by the swine influenza outbreak and to coordinate European efforts.

The Presidency has been following the situation very closely, is aware of the seriousness of the outbreak on the American continent, and is determined to minimize the risk of impact on the European Union. Therefore, it considers it necessary to evaluate the potential danger and all possible steps forward.

Swine Flu – Health Advisory For Oklahoma Travelers To Mexico Issued

As a precautionary step in its monitoring and surveillance of the newly emerging swine influenza virus, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued the following public health advisory for Oklahoma travelers to Mexico: Public health advisory for travelers to Mexico The World Health Organization is reporting numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily since the beginning of April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza (“swine flu”) A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. Due to known circulation of this virus in Mexico, the Oklahoma State Department of Health is advising travelers of the following: While in MexicoAvoid close contact (< 3 feet) with persons who are coughing or otherwise appear ill. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash hands frequently, or use alcohol-containing hand sanitizer gel. Upon Return from travels to MexicoMonitor self and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.

Mississippi State Department Increases Flu Surveillance Activity Following National Reports Of Swine Flu

Today, in response to reports of human cases of swine flu in California and Texas, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is alerting its statewide flu surveillance system to increase its testing of patients with influenza-like illness.

MSDH’s flu surveillance system consists of selected healthcare providers across the state who report possible flu cases to MSDH for confirmation by laboratory testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating eight human cases of a new type of swine influenza in Texas and California. At this time, there have been no cases identified in Mississippi. The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of seasonal flu, causing fever, respiratory symptoms and body aches.

Economic Downturn Taking Toll On Patients And Communities Hospitals Serve: New Survey Finds

Six out of ten hospitals nationally are seeing a greater proportion of patients without insurance coming through their emergency departments, according to a new survey from the American Hospital Association (AHA). At the same time, nearly half of hospitals reported they have cut staff. Recent employment information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that hospital employment is no longer growing and that the number of mass layoffs for hospitals reported in February was more than double what it was a year ago.

Swine Flu – School To Close, Other Flu Precautions Recommended, Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced today that Byron Steele High School in Cibolo will temporarily close effective immediately as public health and school officials work to keep swine influenza from spreading.

Swine flu was confirmed earlier this month in two students from the school, and a third student is listed as a probable case with confirmatory lab test results pending. The original two have recovered, and the third is recovering. The school is part of the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District in Guadalupe County near San Antonio.

Swine Influenza – European Union Presidency To Call Extraordinary Meeting Of Health Ministers

The Czech EU Presidency will convene an extraordinary Council of EU health ministers to evaluate the possible threat posed by the swine influenza outbreak and to coordinate European efforts.

The Presidency has been following the situation very closely, is aware of the seriousness of the outbreak on the American continent, and is determined to minimize the risk of impact on the European Union. Therefore, it considers it necessary to evaluate the potential danger and all possible steps forward.

Louisiana DHH Encourages “Aggressive Prevention” Against Swine Flu

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is encouraging all Louisiana individuals and families to engage in “aggressive prevention” steps against a Swine Influenza (swine flu) virus strain that has been confirmed in cases in California, Kansas and Texas, as well as Mexico. There are no confirmed or reported cases in Louisiana at this time, but given the spread of the virus in the U.S. thus far, the Department anticipates some cases will arise in the state.

Massachusetts Continues Its Response To Outbreak Of Swine Flu

State health officials continue to work closely with partners at the federal, state and local level to respond to the swine flu outbreak in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared the outbreak of swine flu a public health emergency.

As part of that declaration, federal officials have begun shipment of significant quantities of materials to help states prepare and respond to the spread of swine flu. These materials include antiviral medications for treatment of individuals who are sick, along with other medical equipment and supplies that may be needed if the current situation changes. Massachusetts will begin receiving initial quantities of these materials in the coming days.

Swine Flu – UK Authorities Closely Monitoring To See What May Be Potential Level Of Threat To UK Population

Human cases of swine influenza have been reported in Mexico and certain areas of the United States of America. This is an evolving situation and it is likely that more countries will be affected.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the UK Government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to the UK.

To date human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been confirmed in Mexico and the US. Cases have presented with symptoms of influenza-like illness: fever, respiratory tract illness, headache and muscle aches. Some have presented with vomiting and diarrhoea. Deaths have been reported in Mexico and an investigation by the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests human-to-human transmission of swine flu.