Health Update
NEW AND UPDATED INTERIM CDC GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION ON NOVEL H1N1 FLU

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues its response to the novel H1N1 Flu outbreak. As of May 11, 2,600 human infections with novel H1N1 flu have been confirmed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. There have been three confirmed deaths in the U.S. associated with the novel H1N1 virus to date. CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks because the population has little to no immunity against it.

CDC's goals continue to be to reduce transmission and illness severity and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public. To this end, CDC continues to develop and update interim guidance documents.

New Postings:

Interim CDC Guidance for Public Gatherings in Response to Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

• This document provides interim guidance for state, local, territorial, and tribal officials to use in developing recommendations for large public gatherings in their communities, such as graduation ceremonies.

FluView Surveillance Report: 2008-2009 Influenza Season, Week 17 ending May 2, 2009

• This is a weekly surveillance report covering week 17 of 2009 (week ending May 2, 2009).

Interim CDC Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education and Post-secondary Educational Institutions in Response to Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

• This document provides interim guidance specific for institutions of higher education during the outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus on suggested means to reduce the spread of influenza in their communities.

New Audio Public Service Announcement (PSA) for Kids

• This is downloadable audio and text of a 30-second public service announcement about behaviors that can limit the spread of illness.

Audio and Transcript for CDC Press Briefing

• This link provides access to transcripts of the most recent CDC press briefings regarding novel H1N1 Flu.

Interim Guidance for Clinicians on the Prevention and Treatment of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Influenza Virus Infection in Infants and Young Children

• This document provides interim guidance for clinicians who are caring for young children with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

Interim Additional Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed, Probable, or Suspected Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in Outpatient Hemodialysis Settings

• This information is provided to clarify novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection control recommendations that are specific to outpatient hemodialysis centers. This information complements, but does not replace the general infection control recommendations for novel influenza A (H1N1) at Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting.

Additional documents for health care providers, public health officials and the public are available on www.cdc.gov. Information for the public is posted daily in both English and Spanish. Also, CDC’s toll-free hotline, 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, is available 24 hours a day, every day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

##This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Public Information Officers, Laboratory Directors, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinators, Epidemiologists and HAN Coordinators as well as Association and Clinician organizations##

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