Swine Flu Updates

H1N1 Flu: What you need to know

A number of people in the United States and Mexico recently have been diagnosed with H1N1 influenza. This flu is a type of influenza that normally infects swine, but from time to time changes so that it can be transmitted to humans. In some instances, the swine flu infecting humans can be transmitted human to human — the situation that appears to be the case in this most recent outbreak.

There are a number of scientific questions that have not yet been answered in this current outbreak, but it does appear to be relatively easily spread. There are dozens of confirmed cases in the United States, and a much larger number in Mexico. The cases diagnosed in the US seem to be relatively mild.

There have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Westport or Weston at the moment (5/4/09), but the expectation of State health officials is that additional Connecticut cases will be confirmed in the very near future. National public health officials have declared a public health emergency in order to focus public health resources and public awareness on this potential flu epidemic.

The staff of the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) is working with Federal, State and local officials to understand the scope and intensity of this potential pandemic, and to prepare a local response aimed at limiting the spread of this disease, and to reduce its impact in Westport and Weston. Staff continues to:

Monitor available data and information from the Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and follow its recommendations;
Monitor the community for flu-like illnesses;
Share information with local physicians and pharmacies;
Work with regional and local government and school officials to prepare for an appropriate responses should there be identified cases of swine flu in Westport and Weston;
Maintain our inventory of supplies that might be needed in an emergency.

While this outbreak of H1N1 flu has the potential be very widespread and dangerous, it is not that yet, at least in the United States. Public health officials at all levels of government are urging people to be aware that the swine flu may be present, that they take sensible personal protection measures should the disease appear in their communities, and above all, not to panic or despair.

Simple measures such as regular and frequent hand washing and covering ones mouth should someone cough or sneeze can slow the spread of the influenza. Everyone who feels sick with flu-like symptoms, should stay at home so they do not spread the germ to others.

If you have questions or comments concerning this matter, please feel free to contact the Health District at 227-9571. Additonal information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Connecticut Department of Public Health web sites.



	H1N1 Flu: What you need to know A number of people in the United States and Mexico recently have been diagnosed with H1N1 influenza. This flu is a type of influenza that normally infects swine, but from time to time changes so that it can be transmitted to humans. In some instances, the swine flu infecting humans can be transmitted human to human — the situation that appears to be the case in this most recent outbreak. There are a number of scientific questions that have not yet been answered in this current outbreak, but it does appear to be relatively easily spread. There are dozens of confirmed cases in the United States, and a much larger number in Mexico. The cases diagnosed in the US seem to be relatively mild. There have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Westport or Weston at the moment (5/4/09), but the expectation of State health officials is that additional Connecticut cases will be confirmed in the very near future. National public health officials have declared a public health emergency in order to focus public health resources and public awareness on this potential flu epidemic. The staff of the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) is working with Federal, State and local officials to understand the scope and intensity of this potential pandemic, and to prepare a local response aimed at limiting the spread of this disease, and to reduce its impact in Westport and Weston. Staff continues to: Monitor available data and information from the Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and follow its recommendations; Monitor the community for flu-like illnesses; Share information with local physicians and pharmacies; Work with regional and local government and school officials to prepare for an appropriate responses should there be identified cases of swine flu in Westport and Weston; Maintain our inventory of supplies that might be needed in an emergency. While this outbreak of H1N1 flu has the potential be very widespread and dangerous, it is not that yet, at least in the United States. Public health officials at all levels of government are urging people to be aware that the swine flu may be present, that they take sensible personal protection measures should the disease appear in their communities, and above all, not to panic or despair. Simple measures such as regular and frequent hand washing and covering ones mouth should someone cough or sneeze can slow the spread of the influenza. Everyone who feels sick with flu-like symptoms, should stay at home so they do not spread the germ to others. If you have questions or comments concerning this matter, please feel free to contact the Health District at 227-9571. Additonal information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Connecticut Department of Public Health web sites.
	180 Bayberry Lane; Westport, CT 06880 \| Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F Phone: (203)227-9571 \| Fax: (203) 221-7199 \| email wwhd Copyright © Westport Weston Health District, 2008—All Rights Reserved