ENGLEWOOD DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FROM: Nelson Xavier Cruz, MS, MBA
Director/Health Officer
Press Release
Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Influenza type A. Sporadic human infections have occurred in persons with direct exposure to pigs. There have been documented cases of one person spreading the disease to others. In late March and early April 2009, cases of human swine flu infections were first reported in Southern California, in other states, and internationally as well.
To date , the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) has confirmed 20 cases in the United States: New York 8, California 7, Kansas 2, Texas 2, Ohio 1. NO CASES have been reported in New Jersey so far. According to Commissioner Howard: ”New Jersey has plans in place to respond in the event of a more widespread outbreak. We are in close contact with the CDC and will continue to advise our residents if additional steps are necessary beyond the usual precautions people should take to avoid becoming ill during regular flu season”.
Its spread is the same as seasonal flu, mainly from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching mouth and nose. The infectious period is defined as 1 day prior to the case’s illness onset to 7 days after onset. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet of an ill person.
The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people report diarrhea and vomiting. Like the seasonal flu, swine flu may cause worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease , etc. It can develop into a severe illness with pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death.
According to the CDC, to stay healthy people should:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes , nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- If you get sick, STAY HOME from work or school and limit contact with others
- Get plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
People who are sick should check with their primary care physician about any special care that they might need if they are pregnant or have another health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease. Ask health care provider if they can take antiviral medications.
