OPEA

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is urging Oklahomans to be on alert for an unusual strain of swine influenza that has been confirmed in numerous states and several countries.

While as yet no cases have been confirmed in Oklahoma, neighboring states of Kansas and Texas have both reported cases and Oklahoma’s health officials believe increased surveillance will likely lead to confirmed cases in the state.

“This is another example of the critical services state employees provide,” said OPEA Policy and Research Director Trish Frazier.  “Health Department employees spent the weekend monitoring the situation and implementing action plans, which stand ready for any public health crisis.”

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Although rare, human infections can occur. Recently, cases of a new strain of the swine flu H1N1 virus have been confirmed. This virus has not previously been documented anywhere in the world and there is no vaccine to prevent it. The virus appears to be transmitted person-to-person. It is not transmitted by food and persons cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.

“We are taking the emergence of this new flu virus very seriously and we are ready to respond,” said Interim Commissioner of Health Rocky McElvany. “For the last several days we have been in communication with our federal, state and local partners in monitoring the disease activity throughout the U.S. and other countries. In addition, we have activated our Emergency Operations Center to coordinate public health response activities and follow up on any suspect cases throughout the state.”

The OSDH has asked physicians and hospitals to be vigilant in collecting specimens from patients who present with symptoms of influenza-like illness.  Specimens can be sent to the OSDH Public Health Laboratory for typing to determine if Oklahoma patients have the swine flu virus.

“With modern transportation and the global economy pathogens can spread quickly from remote areas to Oklahoma communities,” concluded Frazier.  “The legislature should not cut the Health Department budget and provide additional funding to ensure the safety of Oklahoma citizens.”

Additional information on swine influenza is available by visiting the OSDH Web site at www.health.ok.gov and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention swine flu Web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu, or by calling your local county health department.