FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Health Department has confirmed that a case of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) has occurred in Monmouth County.

The department continues to closely monitor the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) situation, which as of this afternoon has seen more than 114 confirmed cases in the United States, prompting U.S. health officials to continue a declaration of a national public health emergency.

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. 

“The county is continuing to coordinate efforts in the evaluation of the H1N1 flu situation and preparing to act if a local public health emergency is declared,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department.  “We have protocols and procedures in place and are working to educate the public about the importance of protecting themselves by washing their hands, covering their mouths when they cough and staying home if they are sick.”

The H1N1 flu (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do occur. It is possible for H1N1 flu to spread from person to person. 

For that reason, the Monmouth County Health Department also 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 currently working with hospitals and other health care providers as they continue their stepped up flu surveillance.  They are reporting to us at least once a day.” said Michael A. Meddis, Monmouth County’s public health coordinator. “We are ready to be the lead agency if this becomes a declared public health emergency in Monmouth County.”

“Detailed information about this flu is available from many sources,” said Mallet.  “The county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com will provide you with links to the health department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/).  Anyone without internet access, should call the county Health Department at 732-431-7456 or the state health department at 866-321-3751.”

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