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CONTACT: Stephanie
Marquis, (608) 266-1683
First Confirmed H1N1 Cases
Reported in Wisconsin
MADISON—State health officials announce that the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed three cases of H1N1 flu (swine
flu) in Wisconsin. Two cases are from Milwaukee County and the third case
is from Adams County. These were announced as probable cases on April
29th, but have been confirmed by the CDC today.
"These findings confirm the H1N1 virus is active in Wisconsin and
people should continue to take precautions to protect themselves against
the spread of influenza," said Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer.
"We have informed Governor Doyle of these confirmations and numbers
are expected to grow as we continue to monitor the situation
statewide."
State health officials ask that you do not proactively take or
stockpile anti-viral drugs, such as Tamiflu and Relenza. These drugs will
be prescribed by your physician as necessary for treatment for sick
individuals or for those who have had very close contact with ill persons.
Ways to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 virus include:
- Stay home for 7 days after the start of illness and fever is gone
- Call your health care provider if you develop influenza-like
symptoms. You will be advised as to whether you should be seen or if
you need to take antiviral medications.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer often, especially after using tissues
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or sleeve
- Don't share drinking cups and straws
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick
- Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to keep from being
dehydrated
- Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (i.e., door knobs,
refrigerator handle, telephone, faucets)
Symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, headache, dry cough, sore
throat, nasal congestion, body aches and/or tiredness, and in some cases,
nausea or diarrhea.
For more information about H1N1 influenza, visit http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/.
The CDC website is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
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Last Revised: May 02, 2009 |
