Swine Flu Cases Confirmed in Maine

[MaineDem]

Swine Flu Cases Confirmed in Maine



AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci and Maine Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Dora Anne Mills discussed the steps that are being taken to minimize the impact of the H1N1 (swine) flu in Maine at a State House Press Conference today.

On Wednesday morning, three cases of H1N1 (swine flu) were confirmed in Maine. All three people are adults and a recovering in their homes. Two are from Kennebec County and one resides in York County.

“It is important for the citizens of Maine to prepare for this as they would any other emergency situation,’’ the Governor said. “We have weathered storms before, whether it be an ice storm, or a blizzard. There are important steps we can all take to minimize the impact of this virus.”

Governor Baldacci urged Mainers to become familiar with the information made available by the State and Federal Centers for Disease Control. Personal checklists are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_003

Antiviral medication is arriving from a federal stockpile later this week. In addition, the Governor has authorized the purchased of $2.175 million of antivirals, which will provide Maine with the maximum amount of coverage if H1NI spreads.

Dr. Mills re-iterated the need for citizens to practice proper respiratory hygiene, including the following steps:



* Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

“If you become sick with the symptoms of swine flu during this period, you should call your health care provider with the information about your symptoms and where you traveled,” Mills said.

The Governor has planned a meeting later today with the Emergency Response Team and members of the Cabinet to discuss the latest information available.

For facts about influenza, and more information about H1N1 flu, please visit the Maine CDC and U.S. CDC Web sites. Some specific resources:

Maine CDC Web site on Swine Flu: www.mainepublichealth.gov; or http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/swine-flu-2009.shtml

U.S. CDC Web site on Swine Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Preventing the Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm



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[eShirl]

1. Kennebunk Elementary and Crayon Academy Day Care closed, suspected swine flu

BREAKING NEWS: Governor John Baldacci and Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC, along with state education officials say Kennebunk Elementary School and the Crayon Academy Day Care Center in Arundel will be closed for the next seven days due to two children with suspected swine flu at those schools.

Governor Baldacci has also declared a civil emergency to allow the state to respond to the emerging threat. In a statement from the Governor's Office, Baldacci says "This is a serious situation, we are taking these precautions to slow the spread of the flu and to make sure Maine can respond quickly and efficiently."

http://www.wgme.com/

[eShirl]

2. Today, the Maine CDC is saying "probable," not "confirmed"

http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6270429.html

-SNIP-

Of the three cases listed as "probable" by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one was identified as a patient who came through the emergency room at Inland Hospital in Waterville, according to Sara Dyer, the hospital's community relations director.

But that case "has since been ruled out," and is a "regular, seasonal influenza case," Dyer said.

The state issued conflicting releases Wednesday on the status of H1N1 influenza in Maine, at different times using the words "confirmed" and "probable."

Officials including Gov. John Baldacci held a news conference at 12:30 Wednesday at which they called the cases "confirmed."

-SNIP-