H1N1 Flu Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       Contact: Angela Elder 620-227-4545
May 14, 2009                                                    aelder@fordcounty.net
The Ford County Health Department in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is announcing a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza A virus in a child who resides in Ford County, Kansas. The patient is isolated and is being appropriately treated.
The Ford County Health Department is utilizing guidance provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct a thorough case investigation of the situation. The Ford County Health Department will be managing the patient and close contacts of the patient.   
 
The Ford County Health Department is recommending that individuals take precautions to stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick:
 
  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer to get rid of most germs
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
 Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends
 Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues
 Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise
 
The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus echo that of the seasonal flu and may include:
 
 Fever greater than 100 degrees
 Body aches
 Coughing
 Sore throat
 Respiratory congestion
 In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
 
Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their health care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus, but there are effective treatments available once a diagnosis is made.
 
It is important to know that the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is not transmitted by food. You cannot get this virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe.
 
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has established the following for Kansans that are concerned about the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus:
 
Toll-free number, 1-877-427-7317 where operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. ˆ 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Persons calling will be directed to press „1‰ on their touch-tone phone and then will be directed to an operator who can answer questions
Email H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov
Website at www.kdheks.gov <http://www.kdheks.gov> .
 
The Ford County Health Department, together with local health care providers will continue to monitor the activity of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus and take all of the necessary steps to curtail its spread. Your role as a citizen of Ford County is critical: remain informed, consult your health care provider if you become ill, and follow the advice you receive on ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your community.