Whitley County Health Department closely monitoring flu concerns, urges sensibility in preventing spread of disease
The Whitley County Health Department in conjunction with the Indiana State Department of Health are closely monitoring human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection identified in limited locations around the United States.
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs.
The local heath department has been receiving updated information from ISDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DCD) as the situation is continually changing.
Our local Health Officer, Dr. Lisa Hatcher, wants to remind people that there is currently no epidemic and the best way to prevent an epidemic is to follow a few simple guidelines to prevent the spread of disease:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than your hands, if a tissue is not available.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
If you must have contact with a coughing child, relative or worker, wear a mask.
The symptoms of influenza in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Local health officials note swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses. The CDC is working very closely with state and local officials in affected states, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. The CDC has determined this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, they have not determined how easily the virus spreads between people. There is currently no vaccine since this is a new strain of influenza.
Again, we want to remind people that the best way to prevent the spread of disease is for you or a member if your household to stay home if you are sick or have a fever.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Reid, R.N., public health nurse at the Whitley County Health Department at 248-3121.