The Connecticut Department of Public Health has designated a specific webpage to Swine Flu information, updates, and resources. Please follow this link:
The US Dept Health and Human Services has asked the Aging Services Division to help distribute important information about H1N1.
Dear Friend:
You’ve probably been hearing a lot this year about the H1N1 flu. And you may have questions. You may have even had the flu, or know a friend or neighbor who has been sick. This email features some tools suggested by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help you prevent the flu, know what to do if you get sick, and find a place to get vaccinated.
People recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive the vaccine as soon possible include: health care workers; pregnant women; people ages 25 through 64 with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes; anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age; and people living with or caring for infants under 6 months old.
FLU.gov is a one-stop resource with the latest updates on the H1N1 flu. On this site, you can find information on How to Prevent and Treat the Flu, Flu Essentials and Why the H1N1 Vaccine is Safe and Recommended by Health Experts. To look up where to get vaccinated in your state, visit the Vaccine Locator. This information is updated regularly as more doses are shipped each week.
An additional resource is the CDC hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), which offers services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Heard a rumor? Visit Myths & Facts to run a fact check.
Please forward this email to your family, friends, co-workers and networks today. Let’s work together to help keep our communities safe and healthy.
Paul R. Jacobsen
Acting Regional Director
Region One - New England
US Dept Health and Human Services
JFK Federal Building - Suite 2100
Boston , MA 02203
Phone (617) 565-1500
Fax (617) 565-1491
For Swine Flu (H1N1) Information, please visit:
For Release: Immediately
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
Headline: HHS Unveils New Features on Flu.gov October 7, 2009
Evaluation Guide, Flu Myths and Facts, Flu Essentials Flyers Among New
Resources
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today unveiled several new resources on
the federal government's one-stop resource for flu information --
www.flu.gov. The Web site now features a new H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation
guide for adults 18 and older along with a new Flu Myths and Facts
section, which provides the public with the latest and most accurate
information about the flu.
"Flu.gov is a one-stop clearinghouse for the latest news about the flu,"
said Secretary Sebelius. "These new resources on flu.gov will help
individuals get critical information on how to protect themselves and
their families from the H1N1 virus. They will also help us to get
accurate information out into the public realm so people know what the
facts are about the flu."
The new Flu Myths and Facts section on
www.flu.gov debunks some of the
myths about the H1N1 virus and vaccine, and provides accurate
information on vaccinations, the flu, and public health.
The H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide (
http://www.flu.gov/evaluation/) on
flu.gov will give individuals 18 and older more information about what
they can do to take care of themselves, prevent the spread of the flu to
other members of their families, and identify the warning signs of more
serious flu symptoms -- symptoms that require the attention of a medical
professional.
The information in the H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide is designed for
educational purposes only and is not a substitute for your doctor's
advice. It does not capture identifiable information in any manner and
is completely anonymous. Organizations providing public health
education, blogs, and members of the media can add it to their Web
sites.
"One way that we can help relieve some of the burden on the states and
local providers this flu season is by helping people understand what the
warning signs are when it comes to the flu," said Secretary Sebelius.
"In addition to the Self-Evaluation guide, we have also created some
handy one-page information sheets called Flu Essentials that people can
share with family, friends and neighbors."
Vaccination Recommendations - by CDC as of 8/18/09
With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty and about what the upcoming flu season might bring, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary novel H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season. On July 29, ACIP met to consider who should receive novel H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
Novel H1N1 Vaccine
Every flu season has the potential to cause a lot of illness, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations and deaths. CDC is concerned that the new H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe flu season this year. Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. CDC hopes that people will start to go out and get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available at their doctor’s offices and in their communities (this may be as early as August for some). The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza. However a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, met July 29, 2009, to make recommendations on who should receive the new H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. While some issues are still unknown, such as how severe the virus will be during the fall and winter months, the ACIP considered several factors, including current disease patterns, populations most at-risk for severe illness based on current trends in illness, hospitalizations and deaths, how much vaccine is expected to be available, and the timing of vaccine availability.
The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
We do not expect that there will be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable and there is some possibility that initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. So, the ACIP also made recommendations regarding which people within the groups listed above should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities. For more information see the CDC press release CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel H1N1.
Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should also begin vaccinating everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older.
Administration on Aging Announcement - 7/9/09
On July 9, 2009, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius participated with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit together with the White House. President Obama called into the Preparedness Summit from Italy where he was attending the G-8 Summit. U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee represented AoA and our national aging services network at the Summit. Earlier that day, the following message was sent by John Brennan, President Obama's Advisor on Homeland Security, which we wanted to share with you.
"As the President's advisor on Homeland Security, I am passing along the following message from Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, who are leading the efforts to prepare our Nation for the coming flu season.
Fellow Americans, this spring we were confronted with an outbreak of a troubling flu virus called 2009-H1N1. As the fall flu season approaches, it is critical that we reinvigorate our preparedness efforts across the country in order to mitigate the effects of this virus on our communities. Today, we are holding an H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit in conjunction with the White House to discuss our Nation's preparedness. We are working together to monitor the spread of 2009-H1N1 and to prepare to initiate a voluntary fall vaccination program against the 2009-H1N1 flu virus, assuming we have a safe vaccine and do not see changes in the virus that would render the vaccine ineffective. But the most critical steps to mitigating the effects of 2009-H1N1 won't take place in Washington — they will take place in your homes, schools and community businesses. Taking precautions for this fall's flu season is a responsibility we all share. Visit Flu.gov to make sure you are ready and learn how you can help promote public awareness. We are making every effort to have a safe and effective vaccine available for distribution as soon as possible, but our current estimate is that it won't be ready before mid-October. This makes individual prevention even more critical. Wash your hands regularly. Take the necessary precautions to stay healthy and if you do get sick, stay home from work or school. We are doing everything possible to prepare for the fall flu season and encourage all Americans to do the same — this is a shared responsibility and now is the time to prepare. Please visit Flu.gov to learn what steps you can take to prepare and do your part to mitigate the effects of H1N1. Take Care, Kathleen, Janet and Arne
Governer Rell's 5/23 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2009
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Contact: William Gerrish (860) 509-7270
Hartford County Individual Had Underlying Health Issues
Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the state’s fifth death linked to infection with the novel H1N1 virus. The person, a Hartford County resident, was in the 50 – 59 year old age group and had underlying medical conditions. The person died recently after hospitalization.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this person who tragically died from illness associated with H1N1 influenza infection,’’ stated DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.
Dr. Galvin said that the majority of cases of H1N1 have been mild, but emphasized that influenza can be very serious.
“We continue to monitor novel H1N1 influenza and ask Connecticut residents to take simple, everyday precautions: cover your cough every time, wash your hands often and well, check yourself for flu symptoms, and stay home and away from others if you are sick,” he said. “These precautions, while simple, can help prevent the spread of the virus and save lives.”
DPH officials said certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the flu. These groups include children under the age of 2, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. These people should call their health care provider immediately to discuss appropriate treatment if they develop a fever with a cough, sore throat, or runny nose.
The Department of Public Health reported 824 Connecticut residents have had laboratory-confirmed novel H1N1 influenza, of whom 36 have been hospitalized. Most of these hospitalized persons have recovered and been discharged.
For a list of towns with confirmed cases, please visit
www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch. Laboratory-confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the likely number of cases in the state because many persons with mild symptoms do not seek care from a doctor or hospital but recover at home.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at
www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.
Governer Rell's 5/13 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2009
CONTACT: Chris Cooper, 860-524-7313
Governor Rell: 5 More Cases of H1N1 Confirmed
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the Department of Public Health has confirmed 5 new cases of novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) among Connecticut residents.
Positive results for H1N1 flu were confirmed today at the department’s Public Health Laboratory for two residents of Ridgefield as well as for residents of Hamden, Redding, and Wilton.
“We are fortunate that the cases that we are seeing in Connecticut continue to be relatively mild and folks are recovering without hospitalization,” Governor Rell said. “However, just like seasonal flu, H1N1 can lead to serious illness and it is important that people take simple precautions to protect themselves. People with flu-like symptoms should call their doctor.”
A total of 38 confirmed cases have now been identified among Connecticut residents. Among the 38 cases, ages range from 4 to 56; 19 are female and 19 are male. Cases are from the following counties: Fairfield, 26; Hartford, 5; Middlesex, 1; New Haven, 4; and New London, 2.
None of the cases required hospitalization and all are recovering or have since recovered. Cases have been confirmed in the following towns: Danbury (1), Darien (2), Derby (1), Fairfield (10), Glastonbury (1), Greenwich (2), Hamden (1), Hartford (1), Manchester (1), Middlefield (1), New Haven (1), North Granby (1), Old Saybrook (1), Pawcatuck (1), Redding (1), Ridgefield (6), Stamford (1), Stratford (1), Waterbury (1), Wethersfield (1), and Wilton (2).
DPH continues to ask residents to take precautions to prevent getting the flu or spreading it by staying home from work or school if they are sick, washing their hands frequently, and coughing or sneezing into their sleeve or a tissue.
For more information on swine flu:
CDC's U.S. HUMAN CASES OF H1N1 FLU INFECTION
As of May 13, 2009, CDC has confirmed 3,352 human cases and 3 deaths in 45 states (including the District of Columbia):
Alabama: 9
Arizona: 187
California: 221
Colorado: 44
Connecticut: 33
Delaware: 54
Florida: 58
Georgia: 8
Hawaii: 6
Idaho: 3
Illinois: 592
Indiana: 70
Iowa: 55
Kansas: 23
Kentucky: 10
Louisiana: 33
Maine: 6
Maryland: 23
Massachusetts: 107
Michigan: 134
Minnesota: 31
Missouri: 18
Montana: 1
Nebraska: 21
Nevada: 21
New Hampshire: 17
New Jersey: 8
New Mexico: 44
New York: 211
North Carolina: 12
Ohio: 11
Oklahoma: 22
Oregon: 74
Pennsylvania: 22
Rhode Island: 7
South Carolina: 32
South Dakota: 3
Tennessee: 57
Texas: 293 (2 deaths)
Utah: 72
Vermont:1
Virginia: 17
Washington: 176 (1 death)
Washington, D.C.: 9
Wisconsin: 496
CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks because the population has little to no immunity against it.
It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.
Increased Testing
CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus. This increase in testing will likely result in an increase in the number of confirmed cases of illness reported. This, combined with ongoing monitoring through Flu View should provide a fuller picture of the burden of disease in the United States over time.
Swine Flu Now Referred to as H1N1 Flu (April 30th - per CDC)
The virus previously referred to as swine influenza is now referred to as H1N1 influenza. Please note that this is a rapidly evolving situation and current guidance and other website content may contain variations in how this new H1N1 virus of swine origin is referred to. Over the coming days and weeks, these inconsistencies will be addressed, but in the interests of meeting the agency's response goals, all guidance will remain posted and new guidance will continue to be issued.
CDC's U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 10:30 AM ET on April 30, 2009, CDC has confirmed 109 cases in 11 states:
Arizona: 1
California: 14
Indiana: 1
Kansas: 2
Massachusetts: 2
Michigan: 1
Nevada: 1
New York: 50
Ohio: 1
South Carolina: 10
Texas: 26 (and 1 death)
Governor Rell's 4/30 Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30th, 2009
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Contact: William Gerrish (860)509-7270
Swine Flu Update: DPH Announces 6th Probable Case
Hartford – The Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified a probable case of swine flu in an adult resident of Glastonbury. The specimen received indicates that the resident has non-subtypeable Influenza A, which means that the virus is not regular seasonal influenza. The specimen is being forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the virus is swine flu.
This case brings the total number of probable cases in Connecticut to six. No confirmed cases have been identified in Connecticut. All cases are recovering and did not require hospitalization.
Earlier today Governor Rell announced that the department identified two students at Fairfield University as probable cases for swine flu. The probable cases involve two students at Fairfield University. Neither of the cases involved recent travel.
DPH is still awaiting results from the CDC to confirm if previously reported probable cases are swine flu.
The DPH continues to ask residents to take precautions to prevent getting the flu or spreading it by staying home from work or school if they are sick, washing their hands frequently, and coughing into their sleeve or a tissue.
For more information on swine flu:
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at
www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.
Governor Rell's 4/30 Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30th, 2009
Contact: Chris Cooper (860)524-7313
Governor Rell: Two Fairfield University Students Probable for Swine Flu, Samples Sent to CDC for Confirmation
Samples from East Haddam Cases Come Back Negative
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state Department of Health has identified two students at Fairfield University as probable for swine flu. Governor Rell advised mayors and school superintendents of the test results in a conference call this morning. The Governor also announced during the conference call that two cases in East Haddam came back negative for swine flu.
Testing done at the DPH Laboratory on samples from two students at Fairfield University determined that the Influenza A virus isolated is non-subtypeable, which means that these cases are not regular seasonal influenza viruses. Neither one of the cases reported recent travel. This brings the total number of probable cases in Connecticut to five. All of the individuals are recovering and did not require hospitalization.
The samples from the Fairfield University students have been submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to confirm if they are positive for swine flu. DPH is still awaiting results from the CDC to confirm if the three probable cases announced previously are swine flu. No confirmed cases have been identified in Connecticut.
The two students in East Haddam who tested negative for swine flu had recently returned from travel in Mexico. East Haddam schools, which had been closed as a precaution, will re-open on Friday May 1.
Governor Rell’s conference call this morning with Connecticut school superintendents was conducted in order to educate them about swine flu and update them on the steps the state has taken to deal with the illness. A similar call is scheduled this afternoon for fire and police chiefs and municipal officials from around the state.
“Sharing current information with our local officials is one of the best ways to ensure that all of Connecticut’s communities are prepared for the swine flu,” Governor Rell said. “We know there are precautions we can take to avoid contracting the illness and that there are effective antiviral medications to treat symptoms if it is contracted.
“In Connecticut, we have undertaken comprehensive pandemic planning over the past several years,” the Governor said. “Our state agencies are well-prepared, we have distributed antiviral treatment courses to our health care providers and we are keeping the lines of communication open with local officials. The bottom line is that we are taking all appropriate steps to deal with the illness.”
Governor M. Jodi Rell announced Wednesday that the state was distributing 9,152 treatment courses of antiviral medication to the state’s 31 acute-care hospitals. The 10-day treatment courses are coming from the state’s existing stockpile of more than 11,000 courses. The Governor has also requested the delivery of more than 130,000 additional treatment courses from the federal Strategic National Stockpile.
The DPH is asking residents to take precautions to prevent getting the flu or spreading it by staying home from work or school if they are sick, washing their hands frequently, and coughing into their sleeve or a tissue.
People who become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, may want to call their health care provider, particularly if they are worried about their symptoms. Their health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. People who are experiencing emergency warning signs should immediately contact their health care provider.
For more information on swine flu:
CDC's - U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 29, 2009, 11:00 AM ET) States # of laboratory confirmed cases Deaths
Arizona 1
California 14
Indiana 1
Kansas 2
Massachusetts 2
Michigan 2
Nevada 1
New York 51
Ohio 1
Texas 16 1
TOTAL COUNTS 91 cases 1 death
Governor Rell's April 29th Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29th
CONTACT: Rich Harris, 860-524-7313
Governor Rell Directs Antiviral Drugs Distributed to State Hospitals as Swine Flu Precaution
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has directed the state Department of Public Health to distribute nearly 10,000 treatment courses of antiviral medication to the state’s acute care hospitals, a precautionary move against the spread of swine flu.
There are no confirmed cases of swine flu in the state, but samples from two probable cases have been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Several other cases are undergoing preliminary testing at the state DPH laboratory.
“While there is no vaccine against swine flu, these medications can reduce the severity and duration of various strains of influenza, including swine flu,” Governor Rell said. “The drugs interfere with the ability of the virus to make copies of itself, which in turn helps the body fight the infection. The sooner anyone who gets sick starts taking the antiviral medication the sooner they will start to feel better, so it makes sense to get the medicine out to the hospitals now.
“The good news is that Connecticut is prepared to deal with this problem,” the Governor said. “As far back as December 2005 I ordered state officials to begin updating and improving our statewide response plan for dealing with pandemic influenza. Since then we have improved our monitoring systems, our communication networks and our medical responses. That preparation is paying off now.”
Each Connecticut hospital will receive as many treatment courses as it has licensed beds. Each treatment course is a 10-day supply of either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).
In all, 9,152 treatment courses will be distributed from the state’s current stockpile of about 11,000 treatment courses. Governor Rell has formally requested delivery of one-quarter of the state’s allocation of antiviral medication from the Strategic National Stockpile, an additional 134,000 treatment courses. That supply is expected to arrive from the CDC in the next three to five days.
Governor Rell's April 29th Press Release:
April 29th, 2009
CONTACT: Rich Harris, 860-524-7313
Governor Rell: Swine Flu Conference Calls Scheduled for School, Municipal Officials & First Responders
Third Probable Case Identified – Samples Sent to CDC for Confirmation
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has invited Connecticut school superintendents and municipal leaders to join her on a Thursday morning conference call to educate them about swine flu and update them on the steps the state has taken to deal with the illness. A similar call is scheduled for Thursday afternoon for fire and police chiefs from around the state.
“I am holding these conference calls to make sure that school officials and the leaders of our cities and towns have the most up-to-date information possible,” Governor Rell said. “Our Department of Public Health has prepared guidelines and circulated them through the Department of Education, and the state has posted a wide range of information on the flu Web site,
www.ct.gov/fluwatch/swineflu. These calls will help reinforce the positive steps that educators and municipal leaders can do to slow the spread of the flu and reassure parents and students.
“The Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, Dr. J. Robert Galvin, and our state epidemiologist, Dr. Matt Cartter, will be on the calls with me,” the Governor said. “Our Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will also participate on the calls.”
Meanwhile, Governor Rell announced that a third probable case of swine flu has been identified in a child from Middlefield. Two other probable cases – both adults between the ages of 20 and 50 – were identified Tuesday. All three cases reported recent travel to Mexico, where the outbreak first appeared.
Samples from all three cases have been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further testing. To date, no confirmed cases of swine flu have been identified in Connecticut.
Several districts across the state have voluntarily closed one or more schools after students or staff who had recently traveled to Mexico reported falling ill.
“Connecticut has been planning and preparing for several years to deal with pandemic illness,” Governor Rell said. “Our system of medical monitoring and early detection is working well and we are distributing antiviral medication and supplies well in advance of any possible need. The most important thing for people to do is monitor their own health and the health of their family members, take sensible precautions against catching or spreading illness and stay informed.”
Earlier today Governor Rell announced that the state was distributing 9,152 treatment courses of antiviral medication to the state’s 31 acute-care hospitals. The 10-day treatment courses are coming from the state’s existing stockpile of more than 11,000 courses. The Governor has also requested the delivery of more than 130,000 additional treatment courses from the federal Strategic National Stockpile.
Governor Rell's April 28th Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 28, 2009
CONTACT: Rich Harris, 860-524-7313
Governor Rell: No Confirmed Swine Flu Cases, But Two Probable Cases Sent to CDC for Testing
Governor Says State Taking Every Action to Slow Potential Spread of Disease
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that while Connecticut still has no confirmed cases of swine flu, two probable cases have been identified and samples from the affected individuals sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing.
The two cases – both involving adults who reported recent travel in Mexico – were identified in Stratford and Southbury. Both of the affected individuals are recovering and neither required hospitalization.
Also today, the superintendent of schools in East Haddam ordered the three schools there closed after two members of a family that had recently traveled to Cancun, Mexico, became ill. A third, younger child also became sick. The schools will be closed for a thorough cleaning and then be reopened.
“This may be an overabundance of caution – but caution is the word of the day,” Governor Rell said. “We are taking every action to identify and treat swine flu cases in Connecticut. This is likely to be a long-term effort, and this illness is likely to eventually touch every state in the nation in some way. But we continue to work closely with our federal partners and others states to aggressively slow the spread of swine flu in Connecticut. The bottom line is straightforward: We are prepared.
“People should be aware of the situation, watchful of their own health and the health of their family,” the Governor said. “Our Department of Public Health has established a panel of experts on infectious diseases and reached out to emergency rooms and doctors all over the state to increase monitoring. I am getting twice-daily updates from DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin and I have formally asked the federal government for additional anti-viral medications to be allocated to our state as a precaution. The 134,000 courses of treatment, as well as masks and other equipment, augment 11,000 treatment courses we already have stockpiled.
“We are keeping families informed every step of the way,” Governor Rell said. “When we have information, we will pass it along immediately.”
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular, or seasonal, flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
“The best thing the public can do to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the flu is to take simple steps,” stated DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin. “Simple things like staying home if you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze, or washing your hands will make a big difference in reducing the spread of the disease.”
People who become ill with influenza-like symptoms may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if they are worried about their symptoms. Their health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. People who are experiencing severe distress should immediately contact their health care provider.
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it is possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.
Situation in Mexico
At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
As of April 27, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens sent to CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the United States.
On April 25, the WHO Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the rules of the International Health Regulations. CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the U.S. cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States.
Administration on Aging & Centers for Disease Control -April 27th, 2009
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with newly discovered swine influenza A (swine flu) virus. The formal declaration of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) is a tool that facilitates HHS’ preparation and mobilization for disasters and emergencies. For example, PHEs were recently declared for flooding in North Dakota, the Inauguration, and several 2008 hurricanes. This declaration, made under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, will help HHS prepare for prevention and mitigation activities by enabling Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorizations of drugs, devices, or medical tests under certain circumstances.
These steps are being taken to be proactive in responding to this new influenza virus by offering national tools in support of community-led preparedness and response efforts. The declaration allows HHS the flexibility, while we learn more about the virus and its impact in the United States, to take additional steps to fully mobilize our prevention, treatment and mitigation capabilities should those actions become necessary.
In addition to the declaration, HHS leaders are working together across agencies to coordinate response to the swine flu outbreak. For example, the FDA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working together to develop a vaccine precursor that could be used to develop a vaccine for this swine flu virus. The Administration on Aging is participating in daily calls with officials from the highest levels of government and closely monitoring the situation for how it might impact those we serve. We will be keeping our national aging services network, who work along side our older Americans and their families, as up to date as possible as we learn more about this situation.
At this time there are no CDC recommendations for US travelers to change, restrict of alter travel plans. The standard recommendations are in place: cover your cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently, and visit a doctor if you or your loved ones have fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
As of Monday, April 27th, there have been confirmed cases of swine Influenza A (swH1N1) in California, Texas, Kansas, New York, and Ohio. No deaths in the U.S. have been reported due to the illness. Additional cases of the virus have been confirmed in Mexico and Canada. Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products. The public health emergency declaration is available at
http://www.hhs.gov/secretary/phe_swh1n1.html
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Governor Rell's April 26th Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2009
Contact: 860-524-7313
Governor Rell Orders Health Department
To Closely Monitor Swine Influenza
No Confirmed Cases in Connecticut
But Cases in Mexico, Other U.S. States Cause for Concern
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has directed the state Department of Public Health (DPH) to closely monitor the swine influenza, or “swine flu,” cases that have been reported in Mexico and various U.S. states.
There are no confirmed cases in Connecticut, but Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a total of 20 cases of swine flu in the United States. The confirmed cases have been identified in California (7), Kansas (2), New York (8), Ohio (1), and Texas (2).
“It is essential we get on top of this situation as swiftly as possible and take all prudent precautions,” Governor Rell said. “The state will be in close contact daily with hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.”
The Governor said the DPH has increased surveillance and asked infectious disease physicians and emergency room directors to be alert and submit samples to the DPH Laboratory for testing from patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have traveled recently to affected areas.
The DPH is also asking residents to take precautions to prevent getting the flu or spreading it by staying home from work or school if they are sick, washing their hands constantly, and coughing into their sleeve or a tissue. People who become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if they are worried about their symptoms. Their health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. People who are experiencing emergency warning signs should immediately contact their health care provider.
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.
For more information on swine flu:
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at
www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.
More information on Swine Flu Viruses:
How many swine flu viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
Swine Flu in Humans
Can humans catch swine flu?
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 (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.
How common is swine flu infection in humans?
In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu 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.
Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not 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.
How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu?
In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.
In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.
How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.
What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.
What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there?
Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).
Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?
No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.
Swine Flu in Pigs
How does swine flu spread among pigs?
Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.
What are signs of swine flu in pigs?
Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed.
How common is swine flu among pigs?
H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 influenza.
While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 influenza viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.
Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.
