rap #74 04/29/09
OCEAN COUNTY RESPONDING TO H1N1 “SWINE” FLU THREAT
OCEAN COUNTY Health and Emergency Management officials are working closely with both state and federal agencies in
monitoring the ongoing outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, better known as the Swine flu.
“Our Ocean County Health Department is in virtually hourly contact with both the state Department of Health and
the federal Centers for Disease Control,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little.
The Ocean County Health Department is also working with local hospitals and physicians, who are required to send
test samples from any patients suspected of having the dangerous flu virus to the State Department of Health for testing.
“So far, we do not have any confirmed cases of the Swine Flu in Ocean County,” Little said. “However, our Health
Department officials are ready if the virus does appear.”
Early next week the county will take delivery from the Federal Strategic National Stockpile of a supply of personal
medical safety gear, including face masks and respirators, that will be distributed only if health officials determine
there is a need, Little said.
The county will also be entitled to a portion of more than a million regiments of antiviral drugs earmarked for
New Jersey if a Swine Flu outbreak occurs in the state.
“Our Health Department last weekend contacted both our local hospitals and the Ocean County Superintendent of
Schools Bruce Greenfield to coordinate the tracking of any flu cases,” Little said. “We’re following all of the protocols
and monitoring patients and students for any signs of the H1N1 virus.”
The Ocean County Reserve Medical Corps, a volunteer group of nearly 200 health professionals, is also ready to
respond to any emergency, Little said.
Updated information on the flu is available on both the Ocean County Website www.co.ocean.nj.us and the Ocean
County Health Department Website www.ochd.org.
“Our plans are in place and we are ready to fight this flu if it strikes Ocean County,” said Freeholder Director
John C. Bartlett Jr. “But we’re also calling on our residents to do their part in preventing the spread of the Swine Flu.”
Among the most important safeguards people can do is to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing. Because the
virus can live outside of the human body, it’s important to wash you hands frequently or use an alcohol hand sanitizer,
Bartlett said.
Bartlett also advised residents to recognize the symptoms of the flu and seek medical attention if they feel ill.
“If you are sick, then stay home,” he said. “Stay away from public locations so you do not spread the virus to
others.”
Symptoms of the Swine Flu are similar to the common seasonal flu and include headache, sore throat, coughing,
muscle aches and fatigue. Some patients have also complained of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
