Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
UpdateApril 30, 2009 1030am
In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a “strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.” The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2009
RE: Influenza “Swine Flu”
The City of Del Rio Emergency Management Team and Health Department are working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and others in the medical community to keep the public informed about the Swine Influenza (swine flu) virus.

Currently, in Del Rio, Texas we have no confirmed case(s) of swine flu and have not seen any increase in respiratory illnesses.

However, be alert for signs of illness; including fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, stomach ache (nausea), vomiting and diarrhea. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their health care provider. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

Taking the following precautions will help to reduce the risk of spreading influenza:

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
If you have flu like symptoms stay home from work, school or large gatherings; limiting your contact with others will prevent infecting them.

Again, we have not seen any increase in respiratory illnesses in Del Rio and have no confirmed case(s) of swine flu. Health officials’ advice is to follow common-sense precautions: Wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick and listen to your local health authorities.

The City of Del Rio Emergency Management Team will continue to actively monitor the situation and inform the public as new information becomes available regarding the Swine Influenza virus by updating the City of Del Rio website (www.cityofdelrio.com) and cable channel 34.

More information can be found at www.cdc.gov , www.dshs.state.tx.us or by contacting the Texas Department of State Health Services at 1-888-777-5320.

Useful Links:
Texas Animal Health Commission Update on Working with Hogs, April 28, 2009
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Texas Department of State Health Services