For Clinicians and Laboratories:
Case Definitions and Instructions for Submitting Specimens for Swine Influenza H1N1 Testing

1. Prior to submission of diagnostic samples to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for swine influenza H1N1 testing, a risk assessment needs to be conducted by an epidemiologist at the local Health District or at the Georgia Department of Public Health Acute Disease Epidemiology Section (404-657-2588). Testing for swine influenza H1N1 will be made available according to public health priorities according to our current surveillance goals:
   1. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have judged that sustained human-to-human transmission of swine influenza H1N1 is occurring. Therefore, we expect to find cases of swine influenza H1N1 in Georgia. 
   2. Given the lack of epidemiologic data regarding the transmission of this virus, we are focusing our enhanced surveillance activities to determine the risk of severe swine influenza illness among infected patients and the risk of transmission among those potentially exposed to swine influenza-infected persons. However, it is essential that all persons with influenza-like illness (ILI) take steps to reduce transmission to others, even when diagnostic testing for swine influenza is not indicated (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_003).
   3. After documentation of the presence of swine influenza H1N1 in Georgia, the goals of surveillance will be:
      (1) assessing the intensity and severity of disease over time in Georgia
      (2) identifying community (e.g. school) clusters to determine need for nonpharmaceutical community mitigation activities
       
2. Please review the Updated Guidance for Human Novel Influenza Virus Testing for definitions, specimen collection, and shipping guidance.
3. Contact an epidemiologist at your local health district or the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) Acute Disease Epidemiology Section to report case, and receive laboratory submission forms for submitting specimens to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory:  District contacts, OR GDPH Acute Disease Epidemiology Section, Phone: 404-657-2588; After Hours Public Health Emergencies: 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)
   a) Following consultation with an epidemiologist, fax the screening form to the number provided by the consulting epidemiologist
   b) Follow the guidance provided to collect, store and package specimens for submission.
   c) Please follow infection control procedures during specimen collection. (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm)
4. Additional information pertaining to the care and treatment of infected persons is available at the CDC links below:
   
   1. Guidance for Clinicians on Prevention and Treatment in Young Children. (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/childrentreatment.htm)
   
   2. Antiviral Recommendations for Patients and Close Contacts (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm)
   
   3. Infection Control for Care of Patients in a Healthcare Setting (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm)
   
   4. Pregnant Women: Considerations for Clinicians (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/clinician_pregnant.htm)
   
    

© 2011 Georgia Department of Public Health