FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 27, 2009

County health officials monitoring swine flu
Residents are advised to take simple precautions

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Health Department is closely monitoring the spread of swine flu, which as of this afternoon has seen 40 reported cases in the United States, prompting U.S. health officials to declare a national public health emergency.

No cases of swine flu have been confirmed in New Jersey. 

Swine flue symptoms are cough, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle pain, chills and fatigue. Residents who have one or more of these symptoms are urged to contact their physician immediately. 

“At this point we are making sure that the lines of communication are open and that we get the word out about swine flu and how to protect against the virus,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. “County health officials will be monitoring this daily.”

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do occur. It is possible for swine flu to spread from person to person. 

For that reason, the Monmouth County Health Department recommends that all residents avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too, and stay home when you are sick. Most importantly, wash your hands to protect yourself from germs and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. 

“The Monmouth County Health Department is the lead agency in declared public health emergencies,” said Michael A. Meddis, Monmouth County’s public health coordinator. “We are working with health care providers and have asked all hospitals in the county to step up their flu surveillance and report to us on a daily basis.”

In addition, county health officials have also asked all doctors’ offices to increase their surveillance. Flu information has also been sent to all Monmouth County schools asking that students and staff follow the proper precautions. 

#     #     #