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Test results to date from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Public Health Laboratory are showing no sign of swine influenza in Montana.
According to Laboratory Services Bureau Chief Anne Weber, laboratory staff has processed over 100 specimens from people diagnosed with influenza-like illness since Tuesday, April 28, 2009. “The tests results are showing considerable seasonal influenza, but not swine influenza,” Weber said. Additional specimens from all around the state are still being tested daily.
DPHHS state medical officer Dr. Steve Helgerson said the surveillance efforts by state physicians is working as indicated by the numerous specimens sent to the laboratory from people with influenza-like illness. “Based on the number of test results the state laboratory has been processing, there is every reason to think that we’ll identify a case of swine influenza when it occurs,” Dr. Helgerson said.
People who have travel history to areas affected by swine influenza and who are suffering from influenza symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
In the event a swine influenza case is confirmed in Montana, that information will be posted on the DPHHS website. A website page has been created to inform the public about the latest swine influenza information. The site can be accessed at http://dphhs.mt.gov/swineflu/.
Helgerson stresses the same precautions recommended to limit the spread of seasonal influenza also apply to the spread of the swine influenza. “As we observe swine influenza continue to spread around the country, following the basic preventive steps will help tremendously,” he said.
Take these steps everyday to protect your health:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after contact with anyone who may be ill;
- Cover your the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Stay home from work, school, daycare and large gatherings when you’re sick;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.
The symptoms of swine influenza are the same as the symptoms of seasonal influenza in humans and include: Fever greater that 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue.
Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine influenza infection outside the U.S. Like seasonal influenza, swine influenza may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
For more information about the swine influenza investigation go to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm.
So far, CDC is reporting 109 human infections of swine influenza and one death. A list of states with the numbers of people confirmed is updated daily at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
For more information call DPHHS public information officer Jon Ebelt and 406-444-0936.
No swine influenza cases identified in Montana - 4/28/2009
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced today that in response to reported cases of swine influenza in other parts of the country the state is participating in a national effort to be prepared in the event the situation worsens.
As a precautionary measure, a portion of Montana’s allotment of antiviral medication and personal protective equipment from the national stockpile will be moved to storage in the state. Other states have taken similar steps. “This is a situation where we need to be prepared in the event this medication or equipment is needed in the immediate future,” said DPHHS state medical officer Dr. Steve Helgerson.
As of Monday, state health officials confirm no cases of swine influenza have been identified in Montana.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 40 cases
of swine influenza infection have been confirmed in five different states including California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Texas. Only one of the United States patients needed to be hospitalized.
In addition, several cases have been identified in Canada, and there are an undetermined number of cases, some who have died, in Mexico.
Health officials are working closely with the physicians throughout the state to identify influenza-like illness. “We are continuing influenza surveillance and, especially since seasonal influenza is waning, we are asking doctors who see patients with influenza-like symptoms, to collect a specimen and send it to the DPHHS laboratory for testing,” Helgerson said.
Specimens collected will undergo testing at the state Public Health Laboratory in Helena for certain known, or ‘typeable’, influenza strains. However, if the test results show an unknown strain, then the specimen would be sent to the CDC for further testing to determine whether or not it is swine influenza.
“The DPHHS state laboratory will play an important role in the process,” Helgerson said.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely.”
Infection with the current swine influenza virus is being passed from person to person. In the past swine influenza viruses have been transmitted from pigs to humans, but the viruses are not spread by food.
Helgerson said no vaccine is yet available to protect against this infection. However, the same precautions recommended to help limit the spread of seasonal influenza also apply to the swine influenza, including:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The symptoms of swine influenza are the same as the symptoms of seasonal influenza in
humans and include: Fever greater that 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. Some of the U.S. cases have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine influenza.
Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine influenza infection outside the U.S. Like seasonal influenza, swine influenza may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
For more information about the swine influenza investigation go to the CDC website at
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm.
Or visit the DPHHS website at www.dphhs.mt.gov.
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