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WAPELLO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
Swine Influenza Notice – April 28, 2009
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in North America and internationally. An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing. The confirmed U.S. cases are in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas. The U.S. cases appear linked to hundreds of cases reported in Mexico.

The swine influenza virus is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food, and a person cannot get swine flu from eating pork products.

Symptoms of swine influenza include high fever over 100 F, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, and extreme tiredness. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

You can protect yourself and others from spreading the virus by taking the following everyday preventative actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gels.
• If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in the trash.
•  Avoid close contact with others who are coughing, sneezing or appear to be ill.

Extraordinary precautions, like wearing surgical masks, taking flu preventative medications or antibiotics are not recommended for the general public at this time. Persons who have recently visited Mexico or areas in the U.S. where swine influenza cases have been confirmed, or been in contact with visitors from these areas should follow the everyday preventative actions and be especially watchful for symptoms. If you develop swine influenza symptoms, it's important to contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Call before visiting the doctor or emergency room. If you are ill with a respiratory illness (coughing and sneezing), stay home from work or school so you don't make others sick. Local health and safety officials are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor the situation and to keep the public informed.
(Wapello County Public Health – 28APR09)