Re: Florida Reports 4 New Deaths - Official Total 70
Source:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/health/swine_flu/090209_Updated_Florida_Swine_flu_information
Note: The Orange and Pinellas County deaths are included in the FT total, but the two Duval County deaths are not, so that brings the FT total to 73 for Florida.
Updated Florida Swine flu information
Carli Shaffran, FOX 35
On Monday, August 24th, Florida Department of Health launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine flu.
Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581
The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole.
The Department of Health says an additional laboratory confirmed H1N1 Swine Flu deaths tested positive in the following places:
A 26-year-old female from Duval County, a 52-year-old male from Duval County, a 50-year-old female from Orange County, and a 50-year-old female from Pinellas County.
The DOH says while most cases of H1N1 Swine Flu are mild, there are exceptions. Pre-existing health conditions often play a role in how individuals react to the flu. To-date, there have been 70 laboratory confirmed H1N1 Swine Flu deaths in Florida.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these individuals, " said Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros. " H1N1 Swine Flu, like seasonal flu, can in some circumstances be very serious, therefore, all of us should continue to adhere to good health practices including, stay home if sick, cover cough and sneeze, and wash hands frequently."
All four DOH laboratories report having received testing supplies from the Center for Diseases Control and can test samples to confirm H1N1 Swine Flu accordingly.
The DOH says theyve activated a response plan and are ready to respond if needed.
According to the DOH, The World Health Organization (WHO) alert level is at Phase 6 "pandemic." The pandemic (WHO level 6) status is based on geographic distribution and not the severity of swine flu. In effect the WHO is saying that swine flu H1N1 is now circulating world-wide.
The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations: 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.
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, emergency department or stay home.
