May 3 Swine Flu Update from State Emergency Response Team

State of Florida State Emergency Response Team

Swine Flu (H1N1) Update; Sunday, May 3, 2009 as of 11 a.m.

MESSAGE OF THE DAY – Floridians should take time today to discuss flu precautions with their family members and friends. Develop a personal plan should you need to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

Current Situation

Florida has three confirmed cases; one in Lee, one in Broward, and one in Orange County.
The Orange County confirmed case is a 14-year-old female visitor who has returned to Mexico.
Alachua, Pinellas, Indian River, Okeechobee, Lee and Clay have one probable case each. Palm Beach and Miami-Dade have two each. Hillsborough has five probable cases.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

State Actions

On Friday, Governor Charlie Crist directed State Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros to declare a public health emergency that will allow the State Surgeon General to take any action necessary to protect the public health (Florida Statutes, 381.00315).

The public health approach has changed to community mitigation, attempting to decrease disease outbreak by community level interventions, rather than on a case by case basis.
School closure and antiviral medication distribution guidance documents were disseminated statewide.
Decisions regarding school closures will be made by local superintendents in each county. In consultation with local public health officials.
The Florida Flu Information Line, a toll free information service, has been established to address an increasing number of calls from the public requesting Swine Flu information. The number is 800-342-3557. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EDT). An automated service is available after hours. On Saturday the line received 512 calls with 238 calls seeking information on flu symptoms.
The next statewide conference call will be held on Monday. County emergency management and health department officials will give a briefing on the current situation, state actions and provide a forum to pose questions to Department of Health and Emergency Management senior officials.
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) remains at a level 2 activation (partial). State ESF 8 is monitoring the situation and is coordinating with the Swine Flu Incident Command team.
Antiviral medication has been distributed statewide. Florida has over one half million individual courses.
State participation in Centers for Disease Control, Department of Homeland Security and other national conference calls continues.

Federal and International Actions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 226 confirmed cases of swine flu (H1N1) in the United States, with one death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) alert level remains at Phase 5. The declaration of a Phase 5 is a strong signal that the pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

Public Actions – recommendations from the Florida Department of Health

Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.

Other Notes

Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products. The infections appear to spread from person to person.

The Florida Department of Health has created a webpage with information at www.doh.state.fl.us , and the CDC has a web page at www.cdc.gov/swineflu

BE SMART, BE SAFE, BE A SURVIVOR! Go to www.FloridaDisaster.org today to create a personal or family disaster plan. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com .

For the latest daily situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT

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