Swine Influenza Outbreak

April 29, 2009
The outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is continuing to develop in the United States and internationally. Existing cases have been linked to the virus strain found in Mexico.

Today, the CDC reported additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Sixty-four laboratory-confirmed cases of swine flu had been identified in the United States by mid-morning yesterday. We are now awaiting CDC updates on this statistic. Internationally, the situation is also becoming more serious, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu.

The World Health Organization has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4, which is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause ""community-level"" outbreaks. The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.

The Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency on Sunday, and this declaration remains in effect. The declaration has cleared the way for movement of resources and coordination of response as this situation unfolds.

A State Department travel advisory for Mexico remains in effect. It recommends against all non-essential travel to Mexico. The United States Embassy in Mexico City and all United States Consulates have suspended all non-essential services to the public until May 6th.

Customs and Border Protection continues to watch for signs of illness among travelers entering the United States. Persons entering the US from a location with reported human infection of H1N1 flu will be processed through all appropriate protocols. These actions match the recommendations of both the CDC and the World Health Organization, based on what is currently known about H1N1.

The Federal focus at this time is not on closing the border or conducting exit screenings. It is on mitigation.

The current outbreak is a matter for concern and should be taken seriously, but the outbreak does not represent a crisis situation at present. It should, however, be treated as a valuable learning and planning opportunity. The NSA advises all members to review their emergency plans, and to consider the actions that might become necessary should this outbreak escalate, or in the event that a future outbreak becomes a pandemic.

Media coverage has in some cases compared this outbreak to an outbreak of the avian influenza (H5N1) virus, raising public concern. The CDC has identified a number of key distinctions that must be taken into consideration. Of key importance is that an effective antiviral treatment for the avian influenza strain has not yet been produced, laboratory testing has revealed that swine influenza A (H1N1) is susceptible to prescription anti-viral drugs.

Attached to this bulletin are a number of documents provided by the CDC, which may assist NSA members as they deal with this outbreak, and with inquiries related to it.

The National Sheriffs' Association will continue to monitor this outbreak of swine influenza. Further updates will be sent as the situation demands.

Latest information on the current swine influenza outbreak may be found at:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization

CDC Interim Guidance fro Non-Pharmaceutical Community Mitigation in Response to Human Infections with Swine Influenza Virus

CDC Traveler Health Alert Notice - Swine Flu

Information for Airline Passengers Exposed to Swine Flu

Travel Warning: Swine Influenza and Severe Cases of Respirator Illness in Mexico