Nutley Health Department Provides H1N1 Influenza Update

posted: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Joanne Cocchiola
Mayor
Township of Nutley, Dept. of Public Affairs
149 Chestnut Street
Nutley, NJ 07110
US
Office #: (973) 284-4972
Fax #: (973) 661-9411
mayorcocchiola@nutleynj.org
On May 22, 2009, the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed a positive case of H1N1 in a Verona resident. The 29 year old patient was being treated with anti viral medication and had been following doctor’s orders to stay at home for seven days, and has fully recovered. On May 26, 2009 the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed a positive case of H1N1 in a Montclair resident.

This is the second and third confirmed cases in Essex County, the first being in Newark. The New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services has put forth the following information:

The Nutley Health Department understands people are concerned about the H1N1 Influenza and wishes to provide this current information to keep our residents up to date.

In recent days, Nutley public health officials have been notified of positive cases of H1N1 in our county. All patients had mild disease and are at home recovering. As echoed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is more 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, regardless if there is H1N1 in your community or not.

They are as follows:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick
• Stay informed with credible sources of information, visit;
www.cdc.gov/swinefluorhttp://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/
call the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 1-866-321-9571

These important tips can offer protection from H1N1 and other respiratory illnesses.

Mayor Joanne Cocchiola encourages the public to know the signs and symptoms of H1N1; they 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 chronic medical conditions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or 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 has 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.

Once again for further information, please visit credible sources such aswww.cdc.gov/swineflu,http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/or 1-866-321-9571.

We will continue to provide updates as information progresses.