HEALTH ALERT – “SWINE INFLUENZA”

Press Release #0409-42
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
April 28, 2009

*PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

WHAT IS HAPPENING? Multiple countries such as the United States, Mexico, and Canada have reported outbreaks of a new influenza (“the flu”) virus, called Swine Influenza (A/H1N1). The infection may soon spread to other countries.  Despite the name (“Swine Influenza”), this is a disease that is spread from person to person, like the regular flu.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The infection causes a flu-like severe respiratory disease, with fever and cough, and may lead to difficulty breathing and even death. Other symptoms may include sneezing, body aches, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

HOW IS THE DISEASE SPREAD? The infection is spread from person to person through touching, coughing, sneezing or talking while you are sick.

HOW CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED? There are medicines that can help fight this infection, but they only work if given quickly and are only available from a doctor, so you must seek care RIGHT AWAY.

IS THERE A VACCINE FOR THIS DISEASE? Not yet. Authorities are working to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Wear a mask if you are sick
• Avoid close contact with sick people (standing closer than 6 feet, touching, kissing, hugging)

• Yes. This disease is spread from person to person. It is not spread by pork meat. Pork that is handled properly and cooked thoroughly is safe to eat.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING FROM YOU:

• If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, seek medical care immediately
• If you have recently travelled to an affected area and you develop symptoms within 7 days since you left the affected area, please seek medical care immediately and let staff know about your travel history.
• If you notice an unusual amount of flu-like illness in your community, call your public health department and let them know about it.

If you get sick, especially if you develop a flu-like illness, avoid or limit contact with others and REPORT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE. Be sure to tell them right away that you might have the flu.  

Pohnpei State Hospital 320-2215

Pohnpei State Public Health 320-2217

Yap State Hospital 350-2115

Chuuk State Hospital 330-2216

Kosrae State Hospital 370-3200

FSM Department of Health Services (in Palikir) 320-2619