Swine Flu Alert

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department has issued a report to Washington County School District with the following information:

"SWINE FLU INFLUENZA A H1N1

The U.S. is experiencing a never before seen type of swine flu which is a unique combination of gene segments not previously seen. This strain is responding to the antiviral medications: Tamiflu and Relenza. It is not anticipated that the seasonal influenza vaccine will provide protection against the swine flu viruses. This acute respiratory illness presents with the follwing symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, headache, congestion, and muscle pain. Suspected cases are to be reported to Southwest Public Health 435-986-2551 or 2546 or FAX to 435-652-4069. Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you become ill with a fever, please stay home to avoid spreading the disease.

Guidance for Infection Control & Treatment is available at: www.cdc.gov"

We will keep fully updated by our local health department as information is provided for measures we must take to reduce the risk of this communicable disease.