2009 News
May 3, 2009
Bucks County Health Department Notified Of First Probable H1N1 (Swine Flu) Case
The Bucks County Health Department has been notified of its first probable case of H1N1 virus. The case involves a 20-year-old female who recently traveled to Mexico. She is receiving treatment and has not required hospitalization. Health Department and Emergency Management officials are working closely with representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the case and take the necessary steps to ensure the virus is contained as much as possible. The term “probable” means the county has received positive results from the state lab. The only confirmatory test is the CDC’s.
Health Department Director David C. Damsker, MD, MPH, emphasizes that we all have a role to play as this outbreak evolves. “Individuals have responsibilities, communities have responsibilities and the government has responsibilities. If we all do our part, we can reduce the spread of this virus.” Dr. Damsker advises Bucks Countians to:
- Thoroughly and frequently wash hands with warm water and soap
- Use hand sanitizer when water and soap are unavailable
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and wash hands promptly
- Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes
- Contact your health care provider if you are sick, and limit contact with others
Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the H1N1virus. Individuals experiencing theses symptoms should notify their health care provider. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Dr. Damsker emphasizes that the county has been working closely with regional partners to prepare for this type of situation. “Drills such as the annual pandemic flu drill and head-of-household pill drill have helped our staff and volunteers get ready for an event like the one we are currently seeing. Our primary goal remains focused on maintaining the health and safety of our population.”
Bucks County Emergency Management Agency Director John Dougherty says that staying informed is as important as taking precautionary measures. “We want individuals to register to receive alerts at www.ReadyNotifyPA.org. It is a fast and simple way for officials to get notices and instructions out to the public,” Dougherty said, adding that you have to be registered to get the alerts. The service is free, with text messaging fees applying to your particular provider’s plan.
Dougherty also encourages citizens to get ready by having an emergency preparedness kit, making a family communication plan and staying informed. Go to www.Ready.gov for tools on preparing.
The PA Department of Health website also is being updated daily with the most recent Pennsylvania-specific swine flu information, including links to CDC recommendations and other swine flu information. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us.
For updated information on the H1N1 virus, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.