Kosciusko County Health Department, in collaboration with the local emergency planning members, met at noon Monday to discuss the national concerns of swine influenza.
According to a health department press release, by midday Tuesday there were no known cases of swine influenza in Kosciusko County. The health department reported that, in conjunction with the Indiana State Department of Health, they are closely monitoring human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection identified in limited locations around the United States.
According to the health department, swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs.
The local heath department continues to receive updated information from ISDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the situation continually changes.
Because this is a new strain of an influenza virus, there is no current vaccine. However, there are items that members of the public can do to decrease their chances of getting sick from cold and influenza-like illnesses, including:
n Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than your hands, if a tissue is not available.
n Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
n Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
n If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
n Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
The symptoms of influenza in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Local health officials note swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses. The CDC is working very closely with state and local officials in affected states, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization.
The CDC has determined this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, they have not determined how easily the virus spreads between people.
Dr. William L. Remington Jr., Kosciusko County health officer, said, "It is not classified as a pandemic but people should remain vigilant to the issue. Avoid attending public gatherings if you are ill. If you or your loved ones have an immediate medical concern, please seek care with your health care provider."
For more information on the swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm
