August 27, 2009 –
MAYETTA: Jerry Briscoe , the PBPN Health Administrator, told the News today that thePrairie Band Potawatomi Family Health Center is taking great strides in order to be ready for the possible H1N1 pandemic flu virus. In the meantime, the Health Center will provide updates about the virus that are being submitted to them from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations as seen below:
Kansas : Who’s affected?
As of August 24, confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus found in local northeast Kansas Counties including Brown County, 4, Jackson County, 8, and Shawnee County, 8. A full list of county cases and other information about the H1N1 can be accessed at www.kdheks.gov.
In all of the cases, local health departments are following the guidance provided by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for dealing with a confirmed case, even with suspected and probable cases while awaiting confirmatory testing by the state health lab. This includes a thorough case investigation and management of the patient and close contacts.
What is the state doing in response?
KDHE is working closely with local health departments, Kansas hospitals, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the sources of exposure and monitor these cases. KDHE’s goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. Individuals who have been in contact with the patients are being interviewed and tested as appropriate.
In accordance with the Kansas Response Plan, KDHE is also monitoring and instituting recommendations from CDC for any additional influenza disease surveillance activities, reviewing plans to further enhance those activities, and advising health care providers regarding testing for persons who have symptoms consistent with H1N1 flu virus, especially if they have recently been to areas that have confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus, and taking other steps under the plan.
What symptoms should I be alert to?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
- Fever greater than 100 degrees
- Body aches
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Respiratory congestion
- In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
What should I do if I have symptoms?
Individuals with the above symptoms should contact their physician, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
What else can I do?
As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
- Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.