H1N1 Virus Information as Related to Hawaii

Aloha Kakou:


Here is the latest information regarding the swine flu, aka H1N1 virus.


This information comes from the Hawaii Civil Defense authorities. Please note that there are no confirmed cases of this virus in Hawaii as of this date and time.



· Updated information on the national and international situation can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
· CDC has issued a travel health warning that recommends against nonessential travel to Mexico: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/
· There are no travel advisories or warnings regarding travel in the U.S.
· The World Health Organization (WHO) today raised its alert level from 4 to 5 indicating that a global outbreak of the new virus is imminent.
· However, “WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.”

Situation in Hawai‘i
· There are no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in Hawai‘i at this time.
· Two people in Hawai‘i are being tested for the H1N1 virus, but none have been confirmed.
· Physicians statewide have been asked to be on the watch for the H1N1 virus in patients.
· There are on-going health surveillance and diagnostic protocols in place at Honolulu International Airport for all incoming flights. This program has been expanded to the neighbor islands of Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii.
· According to the State Department of Health, Hawai‘i’s active H1N1 (swine flu) airport screening procedures exceed what the CDC is calling for at this time.
· For more information go to the Hawai‘i Department of Health website: http://www.state.hi.us/doh/

Should I come to Hawai‘i as planned?
· Yes. There are no travel advisories or warnings about travel in the United States.
· [See bullets above under “Situation in Hawai‘i”

What should I do?
· To minimize your chances of catching or transmitting any kind of flu, practice good personal hygiene including:
o Wash your hands frequently
o Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage others to do the same.
o Avoid close contact with persons who are coughing or otherwise appear ill
· If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, contact a doctor.
· If you have questions about the H1N1 virus (swine flu), you may call the toll-free Swine Flu Information Line sponsored by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health.
o 866-767-5044 ext. 3
o Phones will be answered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
o Trained public health professionals will answer the calls during these hours.
o Recorded messages will be accessible 24 hours a day. Those messages will be updated daily at 7:00 am.

Other Useful Web Links:
· Guidelines for Recognizing Influenza (FLU) Symptoms and management (Hawai‘i Department of Health) http://hawaii.gov/health/FluGuidelines.pdf
· Swine Flu Q&A (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
· Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_003 http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/