H1N1 INFLUENZA (SWINE FLU) UPDATE

UNCLAS STATE 043253


TO ALL DEPARTMENT OF STATE EMPLOYEES FROM THE DIRECTOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER AMGT
SUBJECT: H1N1 INFLUENZA (SWINE FLU) UPDATE

SUMMARY: This Department Notice provides information
for employees at domestic facilities on health issues
related to the recent cluster of cases of influenza-like
respiratory illness that are occurring in the United
States, Mexico, and other countries due to the H1N1
influenza virus (swine flu). This virus contains a
unique genetic makeup that has not been reported
previously. END SUMMARY


1. H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease
of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that
regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs.
These viruses do not normally infect humans; however,
human infections with H1N1 flu do occur, and cases of
human-to-human spread of H1N1 flu viruses have been
documented.


2. Earlier this month, a cluster of influenza-like
respiratory illness in Southern California and near San
Antonio, Texas, was identified by the CDC to have been
caused by a type A, H1N1 flu virus which contains a
unique genetic makeup that has not been reported
previously among swine or human influenza viruses in the
U.S. or elsewhere. Additional cases have now occurred
in several states in the US and in multiple other
countries.


3. Over the past few weeks, there has also been an
increase in influenza-like illnesses in Mexico and in
the past several days there have been press reports of
severe influenza illnesses and a number of deaths. Some
of the samples sent to the CDC for analysis have similar
genetic characteristics to the viruses collected from
California and Texas. The CDC is presently assisting
the WHO and Mexican Ministry of Health in responding to
this public health concern. Additional information
concerning H1N1 flu and the epidemiological
investigation underway in Mexico can be found at
www.cdc.gov/swineflu.


4. The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to
the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever,
cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and
fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and
vomiting associated with this flu. In the past, severe
illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths
have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in humans.
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of
underlying chronic medical conditions. Those
experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially if they have
had recent travel to areas reporting H1N1 flu, should
contact their health care provider to see if additional
testing or treatment is recommended.


5. All personnel are encouraged to follow the everyday
actions listed below that can help prevent the spread of
germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the
influenza illness.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy - Everyday Actions

-- Cover your nose and mouth with 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 hands cleaners
are also effective.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread that way.
-- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage
your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious
food.

Try to Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

-- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-
person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
-- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home
from work or school and limit contact with others to
keep from infecting them.


6. Some personnel, especially those at border
stations, airports, or other locations in contact with
the public, may encounter individuals who appear to be
sick. The CDC recommends actions that you can take
personally and provides advice for what to do if you
encounter someone you believe to be exhibiting symptoms
consistent with an influenza-like illness.

Guidance for Passive Surveillance

Should you encounter individuals or travelers who appear
unwell, including those with a cough or apparent fever:

-- Separate that individual to a private room or area
maintaining six feet distance from employees and the
public.
-- After separating the traveler from others, the CDC
quarantine station should be notified.
-- To protect others, the ill traveler should wear a
surgical mask.
-- A room that separates the ill traveler from the
airspace of others is preferred.


7. Additional Guidance for Employees Regarding
Protecting Their Health

-- CDC recommends that employees maintain a distance of
six feet from someone who appears ill.
-- Avoid crowded settings and consider the use of
facemasks (surgical masks) when entering crowded
settings


8. On-Line Resources

For key facts on swine influenza, see the CDC Web site
at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm.

Additional information on swine flu and pandemic
influenza can also be accessed through
www.pandemicflu.gov.

Employees working along the border and at ports of entry
should closely review the guidance at
www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

Further information on the State Department's actions
during this event can be found at:

https://www.intelink.gov/wiki/Portal:Crisis_P andemic_Influenza.


9. MINIMIZE CONSIDERED.


CLINTON