H1N1 INFLUENZA Update
149 Chestnut Street
Nutley, NJ 07110
US
H1N1 INFLUENZA Update
On June 3, 2009, the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed a positive case of H1N1 in a 4 year old child in Nutley. The child was treated by a physician and has recovered at home for the recommended seven days. The school the child attends has been notified of the confirmation and is in the process of informing parents and disinfecting the school. Disease surveillance and prevention guidance is being followed in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and NJ State Health Department recommendations.
This is the ninth confirmed case of H1N1 in Essex County. Previous cases have also been identified in Newark (2), Verona, Montclair, Bloomfield, Livingston and West Caldwell.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “The fact that novel H1N1 activity can now be monitored through seasonal surveillance systems is an indication that there are higher levels of influenza-like illness in the United States than is normal for this time of year. Most of the influenza viruses being detected now are novel H1N1 viruses.” It is important to focus on preventing the spread of the virus, rather than the number of cases. There are steps that the public can take to keep themselves and their families healthy. They are as follows:
• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick. People who exhibit signs of influenza – like illness, including fever over 100o F, cough, and sore throat, should remain home for seven days.
Mayor Joanne Cocchiola encourages the public to know the signs and symptoms of H1N1; they are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 might cause a worsening of underlying medical conditions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work of school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms such as trouble breathing, go to the Emergency Room. If your symptoms are mild, please call your doctor.
Surveillance systems for Influenza-like illness have been in place in Essex County for nearly 10 years with hospitals and schools. This early identification of disease is an important method to contain the spread of illness and public health officials remain committed to the response to H1N1 influenza.
For more information on H1N1 Influenza, visit the following websites ;
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
www.nj.gov/health
