UPDATE: First report of swine flu in Ga.

Local public safety officials have been meeting to review the procedures to take if an outbreak occurs in the county. The Georgia Division of Public Health, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other agencies are in communication and have worked closely with appropriate federal agencies to include the Center for Disease Control, Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security and others. 



The most current information available shows there still have been no reported cases of Swine Flu, the H1N1 virus in Georgia. In the United States, the number of confirmed cases is now over 60 with one death reported in Texas.

The U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) has declared a public health emergency related to the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the cases reported in the United States. This is a precautionary tool that the federal government uses to make sure they have the resources needed for a developing situation. 



Helath officials list the following tips for people to take to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:

•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.
•If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
•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. •Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. 



For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.