Please be assured that Dauphin County officials have taken steps to monitor the spread of the swine flu and prevent its transmission. We are also working with surrounding counties to relay information on the flu and our response to it in an expedited and coordinated manner.

Our county Emergency Management Agency, as part of the South Central PA Regional Task Force, has been monitoring swine flu reports from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and the PA Department of Health. Yesterday, members of the commissioners' staff and EMA participated in a lengthy conference call with other area officials about the outbreak, which originated in Mexico, and our regional response.

In short, as a precaution, the US has declared a public health emergency, but this is not a signal of a greater threat to Americans. Cases have been confirmed in New York, Ohio, Texas, Kansas and California, and several are suspected in New Jersey.

The symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you or your staff members exhibit these symptoms, you are urged NOT to go to the local emergency room. Call your doctor and limit contact with other people as much as possible.

For the latest health information, please check the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, or the WHO website at www.who.int/en, or the Dept. of Health website at www.health.state.pa.us.

The flu is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Thus, repeated hand-washing with soap and water and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze are advised. Thus far, 40 people in the US have been infected with swine flu, and to date, the symptoms have not been fatal.

Additional updates will follow as needed. Our response has been one of measured caution and heightened awareness and preparedness. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Diane McNaughton
Press Secretary