PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE - Hoboken NJ

Swine Flu AdvisoryFrom the Office of Hoboken Mayor David RobertsHUDSON COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS ASSESSING SWINEINFLUENZA H1N1 SITUATIONNo Cases in Hudson CountyHudson County public health officials are closely monitoring the evolving Swine Influenza H1N1 situationthat is unfolding nationally and in Mexico. At this time it is important to note that there have not beenany cases in Hudson County. Hudson County public health officials have been in frequentcommunications with their NYC Health Department partners and are monitoring the situation very closely.We are in communications with county public health authorities and will continue to monitor this situationwith them, stated Hoboken’s Office of Emergency Management and Health officials.Hudson County public health officials have distributed clinical information to healthcare facilities andpublic health personnel and updates will be shared with them as the situation evolves. Hudson RegionalHealth Commission remains in close contact with the New Jersey State Department of Health and SeniorServices and is participating in information sharing with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and the Department of Health and Senior Services at the federal level. Hudson County has plans inplace and will continue to work closely with its partners to assess this evolving situation.At this time the CDC and local public health recommends the public take the following steps in light of thecurrent situation:oPractice good respiratory etiquette – cover coughs and sneezes and throw away usedtissues

ooooWash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and waterAvoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as this can spread diseaseStay home if you are sick, keep children home from school if they are sickStay informed – know the sources for credible information:http://www.state.nj.us/health/ and www.cdc.gov/flu/swine .oIndividuals should also review their family preparedness plansSwine Influenza H1N1 is very different from seasonal human influenza A (H1N1) viruses. The viruses thatwe are seeing are a novel strain and it appears people do not have immunity to it, nor does it appear thatthis year’s seasonal influenza vaccine affords any protection. Preliminary testing of the swine influenzaviruses that have been identified shows similarities. Additional testing is being done on the viruses. Theviruses contain genetic pieces from four virus sources: North American swine influenza viruses, NorthAmerican avian influenza viruses, human influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses found in Asia andEurope. This particular genetic combination of swine influenza virus segments has not been recognizedbefore in the United States or anywhere else worldwide. The viruses are sensitive to Oseltamavir (Tamiflu)and Zanamivir (Relenza).###