H1N1: A Message From the Health Officer
Dear Citizens:
The recent declaration by the World Health Organization to reclassify its worldwide H1N1 (swine) influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 changes little that already is being done in the United States, Maryland or in Harford County.
We wish to reassure you, our public, that we continue to work closely with other government agencies, local health care providers, community partners and business leaders to implement a coordinated flu pandemic response plan and that the recent announcement by WHO of the most recent pandemic alert level does not necessitate any change to our ongoing H1N1 flu response. Nationally, statewide and locally our monitoring, surveillance and treatment have been at the highest possible level since this became a serious public health concern in April. The WHO declaration neither increases nor lessens the health risk posed by this novel flu virus. However, this declaration does remind the world that flu viruses like H1N1 need to be taken seriously and that we must remain vigilant about prevention and precaution.?
Although the virus is entirely new, is contagious and spreads easily from one person to another, what has been observed thus far is comparable to a seasonal flu. Currently, all individuals with confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Maryland have either recovered or are recovering well at this time and most have required no medical treatment.
In a written statement to all DHMH employees, MD DHMH Secretary Colmers states, ?Nothing we have seen of this illness has been unexpected or surprising. In Maryland and across the country we have treated H1N1 flu as if it were the pandemic it has become. We have extended our flu-watch season and expanded our monitoring and surveillance capabilities to stay ahead of whatever develops. We acted aggressively to stay ahead of the virus as it spread across the country. Currently our greatest challenge is to prepare for a possible return in the fall.?
Outreach and education have been critical tools thus far in limiting the spread of the influenza virus. Because we still anticipate more cases of H1N1 throughout the summer and the approaching winter influenza season, the most important message to our citizens is to continue to use common sense and to employ all practical means to minimize their risk of exposure to illness. The public is reminded to:
- 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, since germs spread that way.
- Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.
Our Health Department homepage will continue to provide you with answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning the H1N1 flu as well as links to current reports and updates from DHMH, CDC and the World Health Organization.
On behalf of the Health Department, thank you for your ongoing cooperation as we work together to achieve an effective public health response to the H1N1 flu.
Sincerely,
Susan Kelly, Health Officer
For additional information, please see the May 5, 2009 Board of Health presentation given by Susan Kelly, Acting Health Officer, and Yngvild Olsen, Acting Deputy Health Officer. Click here for the presentation.
 CALENDAR DATES...
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PUBLIC INTEREST...
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Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:30 am - Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 7:30 pm- Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Thursdays, July 9, 2009 to July 30, 2009, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Weekly Childbirth Education Series sponsored by the HCHD Healthy Start for Mom and Baby program. Classes held at Woodbridge Station, Edgewood. Call 410-273-5626, visit the programs website for more information, or see the flyer.
Monday, July 6, 2009, 10:30 am - Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 7:30 pm- Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Monday, July 13, 2009, 10:30 am - Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 7:30 pm- Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Monday, July 20, 2009, 10:30 am - Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 7:30 pm- Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Monday, July 27, 2009, 10:30 am - Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 7:30 pm- Public Health Matters show entitled, "Lyme Disease"
View Health Department Holiday Schedule
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Online Documents...
Online Calendar...
Giant Food Botulism Recall 1-29-09
Global Rabies Prevention Initiative Starts Locally
Reducing the risk of rabies at summer camp
Outdoor Wood Boilers Illegal to Operate
Board of Health presentation-Dental Health
Environmental Concerns Map Now Online
Meningitis Fact Sheet
Recall of Childrens Cough & Cold Medications
Free Adult Tobacco Cessation Program
Cough Medicine New Teen Drug of Choice?
Food Recalls and Advisories
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