FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 21, 2009

County urges vigilance in flu prevention
Wash hands, cover cough, stay home if you are sick

FREEHOLD – There have been no additional confirmed H1N1 (swine flu) cases in Monmouth County since the April 30 confirmation of one adult female. 

“The Asbury Park School District decided to close the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School tomorrow as a result of increased absenteeism by students and teachers,” said Michael A. Meddis, Monmouth County’s public health coordinator. “The school has confirmed that 54 students have reported influenza-like illness that includes fever, cough and/or sore throat and vomiting.”

“While the reported symptoms indicate that there is a presence of influenza-like illness, the county Health Department submitted specimens obtained from students, to the state Department of Health and Senior Services to determine what, if any, type of flu may be occurring at this school,” said Meddis.

The county does not anticipate the testing to be completed until next week. 

“Regardless of the type of illness, the recommendations remain the same for any school,” said Meddis. “The school administration needs to identify students and staff who are ill and have them stay out of school until 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms resolve.  It is the discretion of the local authorities, based on the impact of school absenteeism and staffing shortages, to close a school.”

The Monmouth County Health Department continues to closely monitor the H1N1 influenza situation by working with hospitals and other health care providers as they continue their flu surveillance.  Flu symptoms generally include cough, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle pain, chills and fatigue. 

The county Health Department also recommends that you are careful to wash your hands to protect yourself from germs and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  You should also 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 be sure to stay home when you are sick.

Detailed information about the H1N1 flu is available from www.visitmonmouth.com that will provide you with links to the health department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) or you can call the county Health Department at 732-431-7456 or the State health department at 866-321-3751.

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