◄HOME |
News &
Events | Press Release
The press release below may be outdated and no longer applicatory, but is
listed here for your reference to help you better serve our community
along side Lewis County Public Health. Should you have any questions or
concerns about any of these releases, please contact us immediately.
NEWS RELEASE
April 27, 2009
For more information contact
Carol
Paluck, Interim Director and Supervising Public Health Nurse at 376-5453.
READ OUR FAQ -
Frequently Asked Questions on Swine Flu
Lewis County Public Health has been informed by the
NYS DOH of the recent swine flu outbreak and has since activated our
emergency plans to handle this evolving health issue. The health of our
residents is our first priority. Our goal is to minimize the spread of
this disease and to reduce any negative side effects related to the swine
flu. Currently, we have no cases in Lewis County. This could change at any
time as this situation changes. The number of cases across the country are
expected to increase in the coming days and weeks.
In order to detect cases early, Lewis County Public Health has increased
our disease surveillance activities. What this means is that our staff is
working closely with Lewis County General Hospital and Lewis County
physicians to monitor disease activity in the county. We are also
contacting schools and larger businesses to evaluate what types of
illnesses are making people miss work or school.
In addition, our staff will be assisting the hospital laboratory and
physicians with testing procedures. Not everyone will be tested for swine
flu. Only those people who meet specific criteria will be able to be
tested. This is due to the expected large volume of testing to be
submitted throughout the state.
Public Health staff will also be following anyone who has been identified
as having swine flu and identifying all of their close contacts. This is
done to reduce the spread of the disease.
Public Health Staff has received guidance and is prepared to help answer
questions anyone in the public may have about swine flu, what the symptoms
are, how it can be treated, how to be tested and how to protect yourself
from getting sick. Our staff will be available throughout the course of
this outbreak to assist residents with any questions they may have. Our
staff can be reached at 376-5453.
It is important that anyone who is experiencing flu like symptoms; fever,
sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, consult with your doctor. Be sure to
tell your doctor if you have recently traveled to any of the areas in
which Swine Flu has been identified. Your doctor will decide if you need
to be tested or given medication to treat the flu. If you are sick, you
should stay home from work or school until you are better.
Here are some ways to protect yourself from getting sick.
-
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash
your hands.
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also
effective.
-
Try to avoid contact with sick people
-
Avoid touching you eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are
spread this way.
READ OUR FAQ -
Frequently Asked Questions on Swine Flu
For additional information on Swine Flu, please
visit our web site at
www.lewiscountypublichealth.com or call our office at 376-5453.
