Last
week, Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., commissioner of the Georgia Department of
Public Health (DPH) sent an email to more than 30,000 physicians and
physician assistants in Georgia giving them an update on public issues they
may have heard about in the news or encountered in their practice.
Many people have heard about cases of swine flu in certain U.S. states this
year. While the majority of cases are occurring in Ohio and Indiana, the
commissioner felt it necessary to share some important information. All
influenza viruses have the capacity to change and it's possible this virus
may become widespread, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
There have been 225 cases of H3N2v infection (a swine flu variant) in the
U.S. so far this year. Human to human transmission remains rare with most
the result of exposure to swine.
So far this year, H3N2v cases have been reported in Hawaii, Indiana,
Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois. There
have been no deaths as a result of H3N2v. Most infections have occurred in
children and have been mild with very few hospitalizations. As with other
influenza infections, certain people, including young children, elderly
persons, pregnant women and people with long-term medical conditions, are at
greater risk of complications than others.
While there have been no confirmed human cases of H3N2v in Georgia, upcoming
fairs and agricultural expositions do present challenges. Department of
Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black developed some practical advice to
prevent the spread of influenza between people and pigs:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and
after exposure to animals.
- Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth while in animal areas,
and don't take food or drink into animal areas.
- Children younger than 5, people 65 and older, pregnant women and
people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as, asthma,
diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or
neurodevelopmental conditions) are at high risk for serious
complications if they get influenza. People with these risk factors
should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns this summer,
especially if sick pigs have been identified.
- If you have animals -- including swine -- watch them for signs of
illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.
- Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill, when
possible.
- Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu like symptoms.
For more information about the investigation and H3N2v, please visit the
CDC's website.
The commissioner also told the physicians and physician assistants that DPH
epidemiologists are investigating an outbreak of
Salmonella
Typhimurium in Georgia and 19 other states. So far, 141 persons nationally
have been sickened by contaminated cantaloupe from southwestern Indiana.
Georgia has identified one case of
Salmonella Typhimurium.
Cantaloupes are grown on the ground and their rough surface can capture dirt
and bacteria. Cutting and slicing the cantaloupe may transfer harmful
bacteria from the fruit's surface to the fruit's flesh, so consumers should
scrub the surface of cantaloupes with a clean produce brush prior to
cutting. Refrigerate any unused fruit.
The public is warned not to purchase cantaloupe grown in southwestern
Indiana. If the growing location is not indicated on the produce, consumers
should inquire about the source. When in doubt, throw it out.
-Story by DPH Communications
