29 September 2009
The latest reports from the CDC and NYSDOH report that swine flu is still active from the initial outbreak from last Spring. NYS is part of CDC Region 2, which is reporting elevated but not widespread activity.
Twenty-six states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. They are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. Any reports of widespread influenza activity in September are very unusual.
Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
Workers can often work from home if an outbreak is suspected and may make plans to do so if it becomes necessary.
The secondary attack rate reflects the risk of someone being infected with a disease by an ill close contact (for example, a family member, classmate or co-worker). Epidemiologic field studies in several states found a secondary attack rate in household contacts for acute-respiratory-illness (ARI) was 18 % to 19% and 8% to 12% for influenza-like-illness (ILI).
Planning Steps:
Hyper-Reach can provide you with inbound calling to targeted messages about outbreak status, steps recommended, and further information sources.