Politics

Information and Resources on the Swine Flu Virus

By Karina

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, and the World Health Organization are investigating and responding to the outbreak of swine flu in the United States and internationally. President Obama explained today, “we are closely monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu in the United States. And this is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert. But it’s not a cause for alarm.” The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on Thursday to examine the recent outbreak of swine flu and the next steps for a federal response at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Speaker Pelosi:

This afternoon, Majority Leader Hoyer and I were briefed by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on the Obama Administration?s preparations to deal with the public health emergency caused by the swine flu virus.

The Secretary also briefed us on the efforts that are being made to combat the spread of the disease. As Administration officials have indicated in various briefings, this is a constantly evolving situation and government officials are prepared to change the response as the situation warrants.

All Americans who have questions about swine flu or what they should do should visit of the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, which will be updated regularly.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee?s Health Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday morning on Swine Flu Outbreak and the U.S. Federal Response. Congress will continue to closely monitor this situation and take appropriate action as we learn more about this public health emergency.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Provides general information, frequently asked questions, updated cases of infection by state, travel notices and press briefings.

PandemicFlu.gov

Swine Flu questions and answers such as what are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people.

Department of Homeland Security

Transcript of the April 26 press briefing with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control and the White House.

Department of Agriculture

Includes statements by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA outreach efforts regarding swine flu and frequently asked questions.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Provides the latest information about the WHO?s global response to swine influenza outbreaks.

Department of State

The Department of State alert to U.S. citizens of the health risks of travel to Mexico at this time due to an outbreak of H1N1 swine flu.

House Homeland Security Committee

Swine influenza information resources, including a January 2009 report, “Getting Beyond Getting Ready for Pandemic Influenza.”

Full post as published by The Gavel on April 27, 2009 (boomark / email).