City of Victoria/ NEWS RELEASE

Established 1824, Founded by Congress, Republic of Texas, 1839

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

April 28, 2009                                                                                                                        Dr. Bain C. Cate, 578-6281

                                                                                   Emergency Management Coordinator Jeb Lacey, 485-3362

Urgent Informational Alert From the Victoria County Health Department

Regarding North American Influenza in the Victoria Area

(VICTORIA, TEXAS)

• 1.  No cases or suspected cases of North American Influenza (NAI) have been identified in the Victoria area, as of now.  In fact, there are very few confirmed cases in the State of Texas.  However, citizens are urged to practice good hygiene, especially when interacting with other members of the public.  This includes washing hands regularly, covering mouth when sneezing or coughing, and staying home to rest if ill.

• 2.  Local healthcare providers, including hospitals, and medical clinics are being inundated with patients who want to be tested for Influenza, and it is negatively impacting the care of patients with other diseases or ailments.

• 3.  Unless a person has high fever, public health officials recommend that citizens who are not feeling well stay home from work or school, take appropriate over-the-counter medicine if needed and as directed by the manufacturer, and wait to see if symptoms improve before seeking treatment at a healthcare facility. 

Bain C. Cate, M.D.

Director, Victoria City-County Health Department