Submitted by Brent L. Reagor RS, Public Health Director, Concord's Public Health Department.
Late Tuesday evening, May 12, 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the Concord Health Department that testing of two unrelated Concord residents had confirmed they were both infected with novel H1N1 influenza, previously referred to as "swine flu". Upon developing symptoms, both residents followed the current Massachusetts Department of Public Health and US Centers for Disease Control recommendations and voluntarily isolated themselves at home to prevent transmission of the virus.
Both individuals have recovered fully and neither required hospitalization. It is important to remember that regular seasonal influenza sickens 14,000 people annually in Massachusetts, and approximately 800 Massachusetts residents die from complications related to normal seasonal influenza. At this time, the Health Department is confident that the public health is fully protected, and no additional activities beyond the current level of local response are necessary.
The Health Department, in concert with Town leadership, the Concord Fire Department, and Emerson Hospital have been continuously monitoring the developments surrounding novel H1N1 influenza since April 24th, when reports began surfacing of cases outside of Mexico. At this time the Health Department recommends that Concord residents:
1) Continue to monitor the situation and listen for updates from local officials. Information is available at the Town's website, www.concordma.gov or through the Massachusetts "2-1-1" information line.
2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3) Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands. Throw away tissues after use.
4) Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5) If you get sick, stay home from work or school, consult with your family physician, and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Symptoms of influenza include: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
6) If you or a family member develops flu-like symptoms, please contact your family physician. The individual with flu-like symptoms should remain home from work or school until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
7) Now is a good opportunity to take stock of your family's disaster preparedness. More information is available at the Town's website.
Concord's leadership team will continue to monitor this developing situation as part of our overall coordinated response. Up-to -date guidance and information will be posted on the Town website as necessary. Anyone with additional questions should contact the Concord Health Department at (978) 318-3275.
Photo: Image of our state flower, the mayflower, courtesy of Clipart.com
Late Tuesday evening, May 12, 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the Concord Health Department that testing of two unrelated Concord residents had confirmed they were both infected with novel H1N1 influenza, previously referred to as "swine flu". Upon developing symptoms, both residents followed the current Massachusetts Department of Public Health and US Centers for Disease Control recommendations and voluntarily isolated themselves at home to prevent transmission of the virus.Both individuals have recovered fully and neither required hospitalization. It is important to remember that regular seasonal influenza sickens 14,000 people annually in Massachusetts, and approximately 800 Massachusetts residents die from complications related to normal seasonal influenza. At this time, the Health Department is confident that the public health is fully protected, and no additional activities beyond the current level of local response are necessary.
The Health Department, in concert with Town leadership, the Concord Fire Department, and Emerson Hospital have been continuously monitoring the developments surrounding novel H1N1 influenza since April 24th, when reports began surfacing of cases outside of Mexico. At this time the Health Department recommends that Concord residents:
1) Continue to monitor the situation and listen for updates from local officials. Information is available at the Town's website, www.concordma.gov or through the Massachusetts "2-1-1" information line.
2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3) Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands. Throw away tissues after use.
4) Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5) If you get sick, stay home from work or school, consult with your family physician, and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Symptoms of influenza include: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
6) If you or a family member develops flu-like symptoms, please contact your family physician. The individual with flu-like symptoms should remain home from work or school until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
7) Now is a good opportunity to take stock of your family's disaster preparedness. More information is available at the Town's website.
Concord's leadership team will continue to monitor this developing situation as part of our overall coordinated response. Up-to -date guidance and information will be posted on the Town website as necessary. Anyone with additional questions should contact the Concord Health Department at (978) 318-3275.
Photo: Image of our state flower, the mayflower, courtesy of Clipart.com
