Welcome to Skagit County
May 7th, 2009
H1N1 FLU UPDATE
There is still one probable H1N1 flu case in Skagit County. It's taking a long
time to get the final result because this sample was shipped to the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. According to Peter
Browning, Skagit County Public Health Director, "CDC has thousands of samples
at CDC and it will be quite some time before we know if this case is a confirmed
H1N1 flu case."
The Washington State Department of Health laboratory is now able to test and
confirm H1N1 flu cases. "The State lab received the approval to do that
on Wednesday, May 6, which will greatly improve the turn-around time for knowing
whether or not a case is confirmed," said Browning.
Testing will continue to focus only on those who are high risk: less than 1
year of age, pregnant women, health care workers, or people sick enough to be
in the hospital. "Not everyone needs treatment," said Dr. Howard Leibrand,
Skagit County Public Health Officer.
The shipment of anti-viral medications arrived in Skagit County yesterday afternoon,
May 6, and is being distributed to hospital pharmacies today. "We are still
working out the details before it will be available for doctors to prescribe,
but we hope to have those cleared up in short order," said Browning. "The
anti-viral medications will not be available to everyone. Just like other prescription
medications, your health care provider will decide if you need the anti-viral
medication, added Leibrand. The majority of people do not need anti-viral medications."
"This is an excellent test of the Health Department's and Skagit County's
emergency response plans. We are fortunate that this episode does not appear
too serious at this time and has given us the opportunity to do a live emergency
response drill," said Browning. He cautions, though, that every person
needs to remain aware of their responsibility to prepare for an
-more-
emergency. "The Health Department will remain vigilant in preventing and
tracking disease. If this flu, or another health emergency occurs, people need
to have a plan for how they will take care of themselves for up to 2 weeks."
For more information go to www.skagitcounty.net.
Contact: Peter Browning
360-336-9380 x5396