Updated information on novel H1N1 flu in Minneapolis
On April 26, the federal government declared a public health emergency as a result of several confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 flu (formerly Swine Flu) in the United States. This declaration is described as "standard operating procedure" to free up federal resources to combat the virus.
The City of Minneapolis, like other government agencies, has been actively preparing for the potential of a pandemic for a number of years. Although the novel H1N1 flu has not been declared a pandemic, there are plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response, particularly if the situation changes over time. City public health and emergency management staff are in frequent contact with State of Minnesota public health officials, and are following the City's response plan as appropriate.
Minneapolis’ public health officials are reminding people to observe routine public health recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu:
- Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong – and more resistant to disease – by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea and have recently visited a location where influenza cases have been confirmed, you may wish to contact a physician, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.
There is more information available on the Web:
- Minnesota Department of Health information on the latest number of confirmed and probable cases of the novel H1N1 flu in the state.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information on the novel H1N1 flu
- Minneapolis’ work to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak
- What you can do to prepare for a pandemic
Minneapolis Public Health and Emergency Preparedness staff will continue to monitor the situation, and will provide updates as appropriate.
May 6, 2009
Published Apr 27, 2009
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