Grundy County Health Dept Update for April 27th, 2009

Grundy County Health Department Monitoring Swine Flu Outbreak

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!
April 27, 2009
From Health Department Staff
The Grundy County Health Department is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health, regional health departments and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the recent swine flu outbreak in an effort to keep Grundy County residents informed of the developing situation.

As of Monday afternoon, there have been 40 cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States. Currently, there are no cases confirmed in Illinois.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Typically, humans are not infected with swine flu, but infections can occur. Human cases typically involve people who have had direct contact with pigs, but the CDC has established human-to-human transmission among these recent cases.

Health officials are working to determine the source of human infection, if additional people have been infected with similar swine flu viruses and to fully assess the health impact of this virus.
The CDC has confirmed swine flu in patients in Mexico and is working with health officials there.

"Many people travel from, to and through Illinois and it is imperative to take precautions and protect against illness," said Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the IDPH. "People who have recently traveled to impacted areas and have flu symptoms need to see a doctor and be tested so we can determine if swine flu is present in Illinois sooner rather than later. Aside from seeking medical attention, these people should stay home if sick."

Currently there is a limit on nonessential travel to Mexico for U.S.   If you are planning travel to Mexico follow the recommendations on the following site to reduce your risk: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMexico.aspx.
If you are returning from travel to 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.

Seasonal flu symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Reported swine flu symptoms also include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

A seasonal flu shot is not expected to protect against swine flu and therefore the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends taking the following precautions: cover your cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently, and see your doctor if you have fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

According to the CDC,  Swine flu is not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products.