:

H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus

Principal Investigator:

Poki Stewart Namkung, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer

Date:

April 30, 2009

Release #:

2009H1N11-01

 

INCIDENT

As of today, April 30, 2009, NO cases of H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu) have been confirmed in Santa Cruz County. 

 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACTIONS

 

·        As of 5 p.m., April 29, 2009, the Public Health Department has sent a total of 47 samples to the lab for testing. 17 of which are still pending.

·        As of 11a.m., April 30, 2009, NO cases of H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus have been confirmed in Santa Cruz County.

·        Santa Cruz County Public Health has activated its Departmental Operations Center (DOC) to coordinate its response to this public health threat, which includes enhanced surveillance, increased laboratory testing, and increased communication and guidance to health care providers and the public.

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

INFORMATION

·        On April 29, 2009 the World Health Organization(WHO) increased the phase of pandemic alert to phase 5.  Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. The declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

·        On April 28, 2009 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a State of Emergency for the State of California.  This allows for the relaxing of certain administrative requirements needed in order to increase preventive measures against H1N1 flu.  In response Santa Cruz County Public Health is planning for 12 hour deployment of staff.

 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES