At this time, 2618 cases of swine flu (now being called H1N1), in a total of 44 states have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The numbers of confirmed cases will continue to increase as more laboratory testing is done and the CDC catches up with the backlog of testing on some of the milder cases.
This is the same swine flu (H1N1) that has been determined to have caused the ongoing outbreak in Mexico.
According to the CDC, only 10% of the cases have a travel history to Mexico.
At the present time there are 7 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in New Jersey (NJ). There are no cases in Bergen County. After further review by the CDC, a case previously identified as a confirmed case of H1N1 flu in Bergen County, has now been identified as testing negative for the strain. The local health department and the patient were informed.
There are no cases in Englewood.
All 7 of the cases of H1N1 flu traveled to areas where there have been confirmed cases. NJ continues to step up its statewide surveillance of influenza activity.
The cases of H1N1 in the United States to date have generally been mild.
There have been three deaths in the United States, two in Texas and one in Washington, attributed to H1N1 influenza.
The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is in contact with, and closely working, with the CDC and local health departments.
Bergen County Department of Health Services has increased its influenza surveillance activity and is in communication with the area hospitals, local municipalities, other health departments and the NJDHSS.
The CDC has advised Americans to avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico.
You can not catch H1N1 from eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.
There are steps you can take now to decrease your chances of catching the flu:
Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.
Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues and dispose of them properly.
Cough into your sleeve, if a tissue is not available, not into your hands or the air.
Stay home if you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of the flu such as:
Fever greater than 100 degrees F.
Lack of appetite.
Cough.
Fatigue.
Headache and/or body aches.
Sore throat.
And sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The CDC recommends the use of the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) or zanamiver (brand name Relenza ®) for the treatment of infection with H1N1 influenza. These antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and prevent serious flu complications. They are primarily only being recommended for hospitalized patients and patients at higher risk for flu complications. They work best if started within 2 days of symptom onset.
Take this opportunity to review and update your family emergency plans. For information on planning log onto www.pandemicflu.gov or www.redcross.org. These sites contain information in a variety of languages.
Updates are also available on the Bergen County Health and Information Line at 201-225-7000. For further information or questions call the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services Call Center at 1-866-321-9571.
