U.S. DECLARES SWINE FLU EMERGENCY; BORDER CROSSERS, AIR TRAVELERS TO BE SCREENED FOR ILLNESS

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April 26, 2009 (Washington D.C.)—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public emergency today in the United States due to the outbreak of a new strain of swine flu in five states (California, Ohio, New York, Kansas and Texas).

“We have implemented passive surveillance protocols to screen individuals who may arrive at our borders,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a press conference today. Travelers entering the U.S. from areas with swine flu, including Mexico, will be asked about their health and will be isolated if ill. In addition to screening travelers at borders, security personnel at airports will also be screening passengers.

 

The emergency declaration also enables the federal government to release stockpiles of Tamiflu and Relenza, antiviral drugs. “We are releasing 25 percent of those courses,” said Napolitano, adding that priority will be given to states that already have confirmed cases of swine flu, including California, which has had seven cases, including four in San Diego County. Funds for lab analysis of viruses(see photo) are also freed up via the emergency declaration.

Although no patients have died in the U.S. and only one American has been hospitalized, the swine flu strain has sickened more than 1,300 people in several nations worldwide and is believed responsible for 81 deaths in Mexico. Cases have now been reported in Canada, Spain, and New Zeland as well.

“We need everybody in the United States to take some responsibility here,” Napolitano added. “If you are sick, stay home. Wash your hands, take all of those reasonable measures, that will help us mitigate, contain, how many people actually get sick in our country.”

School closures are possible if outbreaks escalate, she confirmed. Health authorities are particularly concerned because this outbreak has stricken many young, healthy people-- unlike most flu strains that target infants and older adults.

The good news is that flu season is nearing an end and a decline in cases is expected soon. Steps are also being taken to boost diagnostic testing and move toward development of a vaccine.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov. A Spanish language version of swine flu information is also available at the site.

How worried are you about swine flu? Take our poll: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=poll019


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