Dear Connecticut Residents:
In the spring of 2009, the world saw the emergence of a new strain of influenza virus unlike the flu viruses we were accustomed to seeing. The novel H1N1 influenza virus, also known as the swine flu, made its way across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now officially confirmed it a global epidemic or pandemic.
Connecticut has been preparing for a flu pandemic for the last several years. In December 2005, I directed the state Departments of Public Health, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Agriculture to begin working together to prepare for an influenza pandemic. The state of Connecticut Pandemic Flu Task Force, made up of these and other state agencies, as well as community partners, has been developing, drilling and exercising pandemic flu plans. This planning has proven to be invaluable in Connecticut’s response to the influenza pandemic of 2009.
This website, CT Flu Watch, was developed to provide you with up-to-date information about pandemic influenza, worldwide developments, Connecticut’s preparedness efforts, and what individuals can do to protect themselves and their loved ones. It serves as a resource not only for the general public, but also for healthcare providers, schools, businesses and local government.
The state of Connecticut continues to closely monitor and respond to the H1N1 influenza virus. It is also critical that individuals, families and communities use simple preventative measures to help slow disease transmission. Good practices like washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or coughing and sneezing into your sleeve and staying home when you are sick, will all make a big difference in protecting our family, friends, and community.
On behalf of our state agencies and community partners, thank you for your interest and involvement in Connecticut’s response to the H1N1 influenza virus. By staying informed and working together, we will weather the influenza pandemic of 2009.
Sincerely,
M. Jodi Rell
Governor
