City of Victoria

City of Victoria/ NEWS RELEASE

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

Victoria County Emergency Management Office

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: May 5, 2009 Dr. Bain C. Cate, 578-6281

Jeb Lacey, 485-3362

H1N1 Flu Update # 4

(VICTORIA, TEXAS)

1. No cases or suspected cases of Swine Influenza (SI) have been identified in the Victoria County area, as of now. In fact, there are still very few confirmed cases in the State of Texas (~ 40+), considering that the Texas population is ~ 23,000,000, which puts the incidence at 1 case per 500,000 people. This is not a worrisome trend, and coupled with the mildness of this strain of H1N1 Influenza in the State of Texas, and in the United States, there is no need to panic. Seasonal Influenza affects many more people every year, and causes thousands of deaths, and one never hears panic or horror about this annual disease.

2. The World Health Organization will declare this H1N1 virus as a Pandemic Influenza virus soon, but the main reason is to alert the Southern Hemisphere countries so that they can plan to take measures to limit the spread. The Southern Hemisphere is entering the winter season, so that is when all Influenza worsens. Although there may be isolated cases in the Northern Hemisphere obtained by travelers/visitors to Southern Hemisphere counties (this occurs with seasonal Influenza every year), it is unlikely to become a serious health threat to Victoria County, the State of Texas, and/or the United States.

3. Even when the World Health Organization declares this a Pandemic, there is no reason for the citizens of Victoria County, the State of Texas, or the United States, to panic. This H1N1 strain does not have the dangerous biological characteristics that the Swine Flu of the late 1910s had. Likewise, 90 years later, Victoria County, the State of Texas, and the United States have perpetual sources of clean water, excellent sewage control, and knowledge of infection control that were simply “magic” in the late 1910s. Influenza vaccine manufacturers are incorporating this H1N1 strain into the fall 2009 vaccine supply, and this should further protect the citizens of Victoria County, the State of Texas and the United States when the strain reappears later this year.

4. Pandemic Influenza, whatever the cause, is fought best by individual citizens practicing 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. Secondly, when Influenza vaccine is available in the fall of 2009, all citizens are urged to be vaccinated unless they have an allergic reaction to the components of the vaccine.

5. No amount of cancellation of public events, closures of schools, and/or closures of workplaces can exceed the effectiveness of individuals taking control of their health by practicing the activities mentioned above. In fact, large-scale community interventions tend to promote unintended consequences and lead to hardships and damage in other areas of a thriving community, and in fact increase healthcare visits to treat the consequences of other high-risk behaviors that people participate when they are not at work or school.

6. 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.

7. Above all, do not panic. Panic is unproductive, and costly, both financially and emotionally. I would personally urge any citizen of Victoria County to continue their scheduled activities and events as if there was no Pandemic Influenza outbreak.

Bain C. Cate, M.D.

Director, Victoria City-County Health Department

361/578-6281

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