Media Release

April 27, 2009

4 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department (ACHD) is monitoring the 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.  "We are closely coordinating our enhanced surveillance and response activities with the University of Florida, local hospitals and the Alachua County Medical Society".

While there are currently no cases in Florida, including Alachua County, the outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected.  For more information concerning swine flu infection, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.  For specific information on travel precautions and an update on the affected areas, please visit: http://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 http://www.alachuacountyhealth.com or call 352-334-8827.

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