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City Officials Provide Update On Swine Flu

City Officials Provide Update On Swine Flu Preparedness

No Cases Yet, But Everyone Should "Think Prevention"

While at the moment there are not any known cases of swine flu in Chicago, "now is the time for all Chicagoans to think prevention and preparedness," City officials said today.

"We take influenza seriously, and we expect all Chicagoans to do the same", stated Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Terry Mason, M.D. "Every year in the city, we administer many thousands of flu shots---and we maintain an effective surveillance system with dozens of hospitals and a select number of outpatient clinics across the city."

The swine flu update was held at the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) headquarters on the Near West Side. Joining Dr. Mason were OEMC Executive Director Raymond Orozco, as well as Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman, who gave an update on CPS preparedness efforts. CDPH officials joining Dr. Mason were Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Gerber and Immunization Program Medical Director Dr. Julie Morita.

"Like with any situation in Chicago, OEMC has been coordinating across departments to ensure that we are as prepared as we can be," said OEMC Executive Director Raymond Orozco. "These are precautionary measures and residents should not be alarmed. We just want residents to be informed so they can better prepare themselves and their families."

There are no known cases of swine flu at the moment----but Dr. Mason and other CDPH officials said they expect that to change, given the spread of swine flu elsewhere across the U.S. and internationally.

CPS CEO Ron Huberman stated that Chicago Public Schools will be coordinating health and safety measures with the CDPH to monitor and report any unusual symptoms that may be linked to the new strain of swine flu.

"At this time, Chicago Public Schools has no confirmed reports of this illness, and we are in the process of launching our internal notifications to ensure that our principals and faculty take the necessary precautions and proactive action measures if any incidents are observed or reported," Huberman said. "Just as we would respond to any unusual health situation, we urge parents to immediately notify their family physician if they observe any unusual patterns of illness with their children, followed by prompt notification to the school's principal and or infirmary."

Huberman added that with more than 600 CPS schools and 400,000 students citywide, CPS "must lean forward in our preparedness efforts, and will do so with care and caution....not panic."

CDPH is in continuous contact with suburban health departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Health Department also is briefing other City departments and sister agencies---including the Chicago Public Schools---and partners in the private sector, Dr. Mason added.

"I want everyone to keep in mind that it is very early, and the situation is fluid. This strain of swine flu is a new strain----and not a lot is known about it---like exactly how ill infected persons become, how easily it may be passed from person to person, and so forth," Dr. Mason said.

The few cases that have been identified thus far in the U.S. have been relatively mild---and while City officials hope that trend continues, they said there is no guarantee that it will.

"But even though we have not yet seen cases of this new swine flu in Chicago, now---right now---is the time for all Chicagoans to "think prevention"and "think preparedness," Dr. Mason said.

Specifically, CDPH calls upon all Chicagoans to:

• Cover your cough.
• Cover your sneeze.
• Use facial tissues and discard them promptly.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.
• And teach these good habits to your children.
• If you are sick, stay home and get better. Do not spread a cold or flu at work, at school, at a store, at your church or other house of worship, or anywhere. Protect yourself and protect others.
• Finally, boost your immune system by eating fresh vegetables and fruit, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep at night.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

People who believe they have these symptoms should call their doctor or other regular health care provider, just as they would do if they suspected they had any type of flu.

City officials said they would update the press and public in the days to come, as more events unfold and more relevant, helpful information becomes available.

For a national perspective on swine flu, go online to www.cdc.gov/swineflu

• Swine Flu FAQ

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