2009 Warden Messages
Swine Flu Information and Prevention
On April 26, the United States declared a public health emergency to deal with an outbreak of swine flu in several countries. United States Foreign Service posts receive regular updates about this health situation. We are sending this advisory to answer questions you may have and to provide you with information to keep you and your family healthy.
As of April 27, there have been two confirmed and one suspected cases in Israel, but none within the jurisdiction of the Palestinian authority. One of the confirmed cases was a passenger on El Al flight 26 from Newark that arrived Tel Aviv at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. The Health Ministry asks passengers on this flight with fever or other flu symptoms to report their symptoms to medical professionals.
Swine flu has been cited as the cause of death of over 100 people in Mexico, but this is still not confirmed. In addition to Mexico, cases have been reported in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as Israel. Several European countries are also being affected by this emerging disease.
The extent to which this disease has spread is unclear, and the mechanism of transmission is unconfirmed. The United States Center for Disease Control believes that swine flu can spread from human to human and affects otherwise young, healthy people. Global health organizations are concerned about the possibility that this disease may spread rapidly.
Symptoms of swine flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications. The most consistent symptoms include a fever greater than 38 C or 100.4F, a cough, and sore throat. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Guidelines to prevent the spread of swine flu: (1) Wash your hands frequently. (2) Avoid close contact with those who are sick. (3) Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands afterwards. (4) Drink plenty of fluids and eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. (5) Get plenty of rest. (6) Stay home if you are sick.
For more information on preventing illnesses, consult these websites: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.html, http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, and http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.html