Earlier today the World Health Organization (WHO) formally declared the first flu pandemic in 41 years. This announcement is scientific proof that a new flu virus has surfaced and is spreading around the globe. As stated by WHO officials, “A move to level 6 (Pandemic Phase) is not a verdict on the severity of the virus, it simply means that the extent of the global spread now fulfills the definition of a pandemic.” It is important to note that United States Public Health officials have been operating as if we were in a pandemic already for the last several weeks.

Locally, there are currently 226 confirmed cases in New Jersey (27 confirmed cases in Essex County) in 18 counties, with no deaths in the state. Montclair Public Health officials continue to work with county and state officials to monitor and track confirmed and probable cases. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) is now recommending that health care providers send samples to the state laboratory only when a patient is hospitalized or in instances where there is a cluster of flu-like illness. For others with flu-like illness, the course of treatment would not change; therefore testing is not necessary.

As of June 10th the NJDHSS will update case totals weekly rather than daily. They expect to see further cases, as samples are arriving daily and results are updated to the website (www.nj.gov/health) as they are determined to meet the case criteria.

Susan Portuese, Health Officer wishes to remind residents of these important steps to stay healthy:                 

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick
• Stay informed with credible sources of information, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/ call the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 1-866-321-9571

These important tips can offer protection from H1N1 and other respiratory illnesses.

Signs and symptoms of H1N1; are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms such as trouble breathing, go to the Emergency Room. If your symptoms are mild, please call your doctor.

Surveillance systems for Influenza-Like-Illness has been in place in Essex County for nearly 10 years with hospitals and schools. This early identification of disease is an important method to contain the spread of illness and public health officials remain committed to the response to H1N1 influenza.

Once again for further information, please visit credible sources such as www.cdc.gov/swineflu, http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/ or 1-866-321-9571.

The Montclair Health Department will continue to provide updates as information is made available.