Health Alerts
Swine Flu Update (POSTED: April 28, 2009)
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States and other countries.
An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working very closely with state and local public health officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization.
Important Facts about H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
Common Sense Checklist for H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Swine Influenza and You
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
Recently, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were reported in Mexico and the USA. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine 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 swine flu.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. If you have symptoms, check with your medical provider.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- 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 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, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
For more information, visit the following sites:
IDPH: http://www.idph.state.il.us/swine_flu/index.htm
WHO: www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak with Peanut Butter Products (POSTED: February 10, 2009)
The Illinois Department of Public Health is collaborating with local health departments, public health officials from other states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the investigation of an on-going multi-state outbreak of infections caused by Salmonella Typhimurium.
At this time, the FDA, CDC and state partners have traced sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste – a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts – that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in commercially produced products, including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream. In addition, PCA peanut butter is distributed to and institutionally served in long-term care facilities and cafeterias.
For a list of products and brands associated with the PCA recall, visit the FDA Web site at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm
For more information about salmonella outbreak investigation, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/
Q & A for the public: http://www.idph.state.il.us/health/infect/salmonella_PB_Cons-FAQs.htm
Salmonella Factsheet: http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbsam.htm