H1N1 (SWINE-ORIGIN INFLUENZA) VIRUS UPDATE, May 1, 2009 Published May 1, 2009 KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- As of this morning there were 141 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus in 19 U.S. states, (go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for details) up from 109 the day before. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not confirmed any cases in New Mexico. NEW MEXICO The New Mexico Department of Health reports that it is sending two more probable cases of H1N1 Virus to the CDC for confirmation. The new samples are from a 14-year-old female and 15-year-old male both from Socorro County. They previously reported two probable cases in an 18-year-old male from Valencia County and a 1-year-old male from Santa Fe County. INTERNATIONAL The World Health Organization is reporting that, the situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of May 1, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A infection. The United States Government has reported 141 laboratory confirmed cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8). Further information on the situation is available on the WHO Web site and is updated on a regular basis. MEDICAL GROUP CLINIC OPEN THIS WEEKEND The 377th Medical Group clinic will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon to evaluate and assist any member who is eligible to be seen at the clinic and is experiencing flu-like symptoms. Please contact the Medical Group at 846-3200 to make an appointment. MILITARY/DEPENDENT REPORTING Military and their family members who use local medical facilities are requested to call the 377th Medical Group Public Health Flight, 846-3461, if they are seen for flu-like symptoms. If you or a family member is showing signs of influenza infection contact your provider or call a nurse helpline at: 377th Medical Group, 846-3200; Medical Group Public Health Flight, 846-3461; Veterans Affairs health nurse, 265-1711 ext. 5495; New Mexico medical advice line, 866-850-5893; New Mexico nurse advice line, 877-725-2552. TO OBTAIN UPDATED INFORMATION ON THE H1N1 VIRUS SITUATION, refer to the H1N1 Flu tab at www.kirtland.af.mil or go to the DOD Pandemic Influenza Watchboard at http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/. The best protection is still using personal hygiene techniques to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health and avoid getting the flu: · Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeves (not hands) or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. · Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. · Try to avoid close contact with sick people. · If you get sick with influenza, we recommend that you limit contact with others to keep from transmitting the infection.