No Confirmed Cases in Connecticut But Cases in Mexico, Other U.S. States Cause for Concern

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 Connecticut Department of Public Health

April 26, 2009                                               Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                      (860) 250-8391

            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:

·    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

·    Connecticut Department of Public Health: www.ct.gov/dph

·    Call 2-1-1