Flu update from Sarasota County Emergency Preparedness
Florida has five confirmed cases; two in Lee , one in Broward, one in Orange County , and one in Pinellas.
The second Lee County confirmation is a 7 year old male who attends Spring Creek Elementary School. The Pinellas County confirmed case is 24 year old male.
Alachua, Lee, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Clay have one probable case each. Palm Beach has two probable cases and Miami Dade has three. Hillsborough County has five probable cases.
A public health emergency was declared by the State Surgeon General.
A toll free information line has been established to address an increasing number of calls from the public requesting Swine Flu information. The number is
1-800-342-3557 and it is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
Note: The "Swine Flu" is now called the H1N1 Virus:
SitRep #6 Level-3 (Monitoring))
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2009, 1500 hrs
H1N1 Preparedness
Sarasota County Health and Human Services
Situation Report
Weekend (Saturday/Sunday – May 2-3, 2009)
o There are 160 confirmed cases in the United States and one death. (see table below)
o There are two confirmed cases in the State of Florida and eight counties have 13 probable cases that have been sent to the CDC lab. Sarasota County does NOT have any probable or confirmed cases at this time.
o The situation continues to evolve all over the world. As of 06:00 GMT on 2 May 2009, 15 countries have officially reported 615 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
o Mexico has reported 397 confirmed human cases of infection, including 16 deaths. The 241 rise in cases from Mexico compared to 23:30GMT of 1 May reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens.
o The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Germany (4), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (13).
o SCHHS participated in daily conference call with State DOH and EM at 1330 on Saturday. There will be no call on Sunday. No SitRep will be sent out on Sunday unless something urgent occurs.
o The State Surgeon General, Ana M. Viamonte Ros, MD, MPH, determined a public health emergency exists in the State of Florida which in essence gives her the authority for the next 60 days to allow transfer of antiviral medications, e.g. Tamiflu and Relenza, to other providers to utilize in the event of spot shortages.
o According to the manufacturers, there is no shortage of these drugs, there is a distribution chain issue which will be resolved shortly. CVS pharmacies have their quota of antivirals in their stores.
o The FL DOH is meeting next week with the FL Pharmacy Association members to coordinate efforts with the independent pharmacies.
o The FL DOH & EM are working with ESF 18 (business partners) to communicate the CHD concerns about medication distribution.
o The State continues in the community mitigation mode. SCHHS will follow the CDC’s community mitigation guidance. This includes recommendation of self-isolation of cases as well as taking measures to reduce transmission of the disease. SCHHS is strongly urging people who are ill to stay at home and refer to the general safety information listed below.
o The Florida Flu Information Line number is 1-800-342-3557. This is manned by staff from 0800 until 2000 and recorded message for the remaining 24 hours a day/7 days per week.
Next Update (Monday-May 4, 2009)
o SCHHS and EM will participate in daily conference call with State DOH and EM at 1330 hrs.
o SCHHS will distribute daily SitRep.
o SCHHS will monitor news coverage, media calls and new information and determine need for media or Public Information Officer availability and updates.
o SCHHS will meet with School Board Officials. The SCHD, School Board and PSAG will follow CDC guidelines for potential school closures and make decisions based on the severity of the case as well as the number of confirmed cases.
UUUUFLU UPDATE FROM EPIDEMIOLOGISTUUUU: Sarasota County has no ‘suspect’ cases based on the strict application of current case definition. There is no increase in the number of school health room visits or Emergency Room visits for influenza-like illnesses.
General Safety Message:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
o Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners can also help.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
CDC/WHO Update:
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
(As of May 2, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
States # of
laboratory
confirmed
cases Deaths
Arizona 4
California 24
Colorado 2
Connecticut 1
Delaware 4
Florida 2
Illinois 3
Indiana 3
Kansas 2
Kentucky* 1
Massachusetts 8
Michigan 2
Minnesota 1
Missouri 1
Nevada 1
New Jersey 7
New York 50
Ohio 1
South Carolina 13
Texas 28 1
Virginia 2
TOTAL (21) 160 cases 1 death
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
See: World Health Organization
*Case is resident of KY but currently hospitalized in GA.
Today the World Health Organization continues the Pandemic Current information from CDC on Influenza phase to a Level 5, which indicates sustained number of confirmed cases from human to human transmission.
For more information visit: either or both of these sites:
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