[Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)] — The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu. In response to the intensifying outbreak, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks.” The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, the CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu infection in the United States:
- California: 10 cases
- Kansas: 2 cases
- New York City: 45 cases
- Ohio: 1 case
- Texas: 6 cases
Yesterday, CDC issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. CDC continues to issue interim guidance daily on the website and through health alert network notices. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states 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. For more information, see the CDC Swine Flu website.
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
For information about investigation into cases outside the United States, see the World Health Organization website.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
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.
For more information on what you can to stay safe and healthy, check the CDC Swine Flu website.
Additional Updates on the CDC Swine Flu Website
To learn about other updates made to the CDC Swine Flu Website in the past 24 hours, please check the “What’s New” page on the CDC Swine Flu website.
Downtown Voices Coalition 