The Polk, Burnett and St. Croix Tribal County Health Departments have activated their pandemic flu emergency plans to coordinate response to the recent outbreak of Swine Influenza. As of Monday, April 27, 2009, there have been NO confirmed cases in Wisconsin. The County Health Departments are in continual communication with the Bureau of Communicable Diseases of the Wisconsin State Health Department as well as monitoring the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control. (CDC) The Health Departments will be forwarding all health related guidance and information to County clinics and hospitals.

This Swine Flu is a new influenza virus. The seasonal flu vaccine distributed last fall and winter is not expected to protect against the Swine Flu. Any Swine Flu vaccine that may have been given back in the 1970’s is not expected to provide immunity to this new Swine Flu virus.

Individuals with a travel history to Mexico within the last seven days or who have been in contact with an ill person from this area should monitor themselves for signs of illness. Those signs and symptoms are:

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Cough and sore throat
• Severe muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea ( reported in some cases)

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you experience the symptoms above
• Wash your hands often.
• Cover your cough or sneeze by coughing into your sleeve to avoid contaminating your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice good health habits. (Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods)