iNET - National Disaster Interfaiths Network (NDIN)

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April 27, 2009 Issue

iNET ALERT - Swine Influenza Outbreak

National Disaster Interfaiths Network Advises of Possible Swine Flu Pandemic

Public health officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control CDC, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene NYC DOHMH as well as the The World Health Organization, have confirmed that, over the last 72 hours, an outbreak of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) or “swine flu” appears to have originated in Mexico where over 103 have died. On Friday has begun to spread rapidly across the United States – it is now confirmed in California, Texas, New York City, Kansas and Ohio. There are now over 20 confirmed cases in the United States. The flu has also been documented in schoolchildren in New Zealand and Canada.

On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency. The WHO has declared the swine flu outbreak a “public health event of international concern. ”According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this strain of Swine Flu has spread widely and cannot be contained.

The National Disaster Interfaiths Network is forwarding the following links that contain recent news briefs and information regarding the Swine Flu and health information.

Updates will continue to be distributed via iNET or posted at www.n-din.org

Websites to monitor for regular updates;

NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Swine Flu Page; click here
Centers for Disease Control, Swine Flu Updates Page; click here
CDC, Emergency Preparedness & Response Twitter feed, CDC Emergency, click here

General Swine Flu Information

Swine Flu Key Facts: Provides facts about Swine Influenza.

Swine Flu and You: Provides answers to questions about Swine Influenza.

Swine Flu Video Podcast: In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with the CDC Influenza Division, describes swine flu – its signs and symptoms, how it’s transmitted, medicines to treat it, steps people can take to protect themselves from it, and what people should do if they become ill.

All you have to do is wash your hands Podcast: This Podcast teaches children how and when to wash their hands properly.

Swine Flu RSS feed: Receive automatic updates on Swine Flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention right on your desktop or browser.

INFLUENZA: Pigs, People and Public Health: Public Health Fact Sheet from National Pork Board.

Flu Information for Children/Parents & Child Care Providers

CDC Free Flu Materials: This year’s seasonal flu materials are free for download—no printed versions are available. They may be printed on a standard office printer, or you may use a commercial printer. Emphasis remains on outreach to high-risk groups, as well as parents of all children, health care workers, and people in the workplace.

Questions and Answers: Information for Schools: Printable version of answers to questions commonly asked by school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents.

Protecting Against the Flu: Advice for Caregivers of Children Less Than 6 Months Old:
Research has shown that children less than 5 years of age are at high risk of serious flu-related complications.

Prevention Methods

CDC TV - Put Your Hands Together: (Video) Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80 percent of all infections by their hands.

Cover your Cough Posters: Stop the Spread of Germs that Make You and Others Sick! ... Printable formats of “Cover Your Cough.” Posters only available as PDF files.

Clean Hands Saves lives: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Patient Education Materials: This season’s materials reflect outreach to high-risk groups, including caregivers and parents of infants.

To view the most recent iNET Bulletin Board click here