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Communications Office - Media Releases

CONTACT: Mark Sexton, Communications Coordinator
PHONE: (352) 374-5204; CELL: (352) 283-2317
EMAIL: msexton@alachuacounty.us

For Immediate Release



Swine Flu Update/311 Activated

5/1/2009 10:11 AM

May 1, 2009 

10:15 a.m.

This release has been sent at the request of Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department (ACHD) continues to address the international outbreak of swine flu.  Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs.  Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur.

"Symptoms of swine flu include fever of greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by a sore throat, coughing and runny nose " stated Jean Munden, Administrator of the ACHD.  "Our surveillance efforts continue and as of today, no confirmed cases of swine flu have been detected in Alachua County.  Citizens who have concerns are advised to call 311 for further information."

As expected, probable cases have begun to appear in Florida but none have been confirmed in Alachua County.  People at risk for the disease are those who have traveled to affected areas and/or have been exposed to confirmed cases.  For more information concerning swine flu infection, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.  For specific information on travel precautions and an update on the affected areas, please visit: www.cdc.gov/travel.

The Health Department is offering the following recommendations:

  • As always, people with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza,
  • to others in the community.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Coughs and sneezes should be directed into a tissue or arm sleeve.
  •  Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness. 
  •  People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.
  • If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office or emergency department or stay home.

For more information, visit www.alachuacountyhealth.com or call 352-334-8827.

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If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352)374-5275 at least 3 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

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