We just got this all-county press release from Hoboken City Hall in response to the swine flu situation. Hoboken spokesman Paul Drexel says that the city has been communicating with the county and getting information from the CDC all morning. Here’s the release:
HUDSON COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS ASSESSING SWINE INFLUENZA H1N1 SITUATION
No Cases in Hudson County
Hudson County public health officials are closely monitoring the evolving Swine Influenza H1N1 situation that is unfolding nationally and in Mexico. At this time it is important to note that there have not been any cases in Hudson County. Hudson County public health officials have been in frequent communications with their NYC Health Department partners and are monitoring the situation very closely.
Hudson County public health officials have distributed clinical information to healthcare facilities and public health personnel and updates will be shared with them as the situation evolves. Hudson Regional Health Commission remains in close contact with the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services and is participating in information sharing with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Senior Services at the federal level. Hudson County has plans in place and will continue to work closely with its partners to assess this evolving situation.
At this time the CDC and local public health recommends the public take the following steps in light of the current situation:
o Practice good respiratory etiquette – cover coughs and sneezes and throw away used tissues
o Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water
o Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as this can spread disease
o Stay home if you are sick, keep children home from school if they are sick
o Stay informed – know the sources for credible information: http://www.state.nj.us/health/ and www.cdc.gov/flu/swine ..
o Individuals should also review their family preparedness plans
Swine Influenza H1N1 is very different from seasonal human influenza A (H1N1) viruses. The viruses that we are seeing are a novel strain and it appears people do not have immunity to it, nor does it appear that this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine affords any protection. Preliminary testing of the swine influenza viruses that have been identified shows similarities. Additional testing is being done on the viruses. The viruses contain genetic pieces from four virus sources: North American swine influenza viruses, North American avian influenza viruses, human influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses found in Asia and Europe. This particular genetic combination of swine influenza virus segments has not been recognized before in the United States or anywhere else worldwide. The viruses are sensitive to Oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza).