Politics

Updated info on Swine Flu from CDC and Texas Offices

Updated 2: Gov. Perry Bolsters Precautionary Measures to Address Swine Flu in Texas

Update:1
2009 H1N1 FLU UPDATE
Department of Homeland Security
Updated 4/29/2009, 1 pm

The U.S. government continues to take aggressive action to address the current outbreak of 2009 H1N1 flu in the United States.

This morning, we confirmed the first U.S. fatality as a result of the H1N1 virus ? a 23 month old child in Texas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this child and all families who are coping with H1N1 flu virus both in the United States and in other countries.

Our goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to health care providers, public health officials, and the American people in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified virus.

This is a rapidly changing situation. We continue to respond aggressively based on what we know and are trying to stay ahead of the outbreak. In the days ahead, we are likely to continue to see more cases, more hospitalizations, and additional deaths from this outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that schools with confirmed cases of H1N1? or suspected cases linked to confirmed cases ? should consider closing on a temporary basis. Parents are encouraged to prepare contingency plans in the event that a school closure requires caring for a child.

Full post as published by Mike Conaway's Blog on April 29, 2009 (boomark / email).