H1N1 influenza Spreads, CDC issues Updates, Precautions

The World Health Organization has now raised its threat level to phase five out of six.

WASHINGTON, (Catholic Online) - Secretary Janet Napolitano of the Department of Homeland Security and newly confirmed Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of Health and Human Services held a joint Press Conference Wednesday afternoon concerning the growing spread of H1N1 influenza (commonly referred to as "swine Flu") in the United States.

The first fatality in the U.S. related to the outbreak was a 22 month old boy from Mexico. The little boy died at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. He was visiting family in Brownsville. This death is the first to occur outside of Mexico. In California, 14 cases have now been confirmed and State authorities are investigating another 17 which are probable. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed a state of emergency. A marine at a Southern California base tested positive and 30 Marines have been confined to quarters.

The virus has taken the lives of more than 150 people in Mexico and afflicted at least 2,400 others. The World Health Organization has now raised its threat level to phase five out of six. That indicates that that the organization is concerned that a full blown outbreak of the virus is, in their words "imminent". The WHO has confirmed cases of the H1N1 influenza in Mexico, where it appears to have begun, the United States, Israel, Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Spain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have established a web site with continual updates and precautions. It's purpose is to help every citizen to become active in preventing the spread of the virus through using some common sense precautions. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

The precautions

"There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

"Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

"Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them."

The latest update

"The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.

"CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency's 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 the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza."

"In addition, 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." This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available."

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online