{"id":10155,"date":"2025-03-01T14:02:56","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/dhan195\/"},"modified":"2025-03-02T00:48:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-02T05:48:51","slug":"dhan195","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/php\/alerts\/dhan195\/","title":{"rendered":"php\/alerts\/dhan195 ~  Division of Public Health &#8211; &#8211; Health Alert  &#8211; Delaware Health and Social Services &#8211; State of Delaware"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-swiftype-index=\"true\">\n\n\n\n  <br>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"container\" id=\"main_header\"> \n\n    <!-- BEGIN readspeaker div -->\n\n    <div class=\"rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve\" id=\"readspeaker_button1\">\n\n      <a accesskey=\"L\" class=\"rsbtn_play\" href=\"https:\/\/app-na.readspeaker.com\/cgi-bin\/rsent?customerid=7262&#038;lang=en_us&#038;readid=main_content&#038;url=https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/php\/alerts\/dhan195.html\" title=\"Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker\">\n\n        <span class=\"rsbtn_left rsimg rspart\"><span class=\"rsbtn_text\"><span>Listen<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n\n        <span class=\"rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart\"><\/span>\n\n      <\/a>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- END readspeaker div -->\n\n\n\n    \n\n    <header class=\"pull-left\">\n\n      <h1>Delaware Health Alert Network #<!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Number\"]-->195 <!--[END]--> <\/h1>\n\n      <h2> <!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Date\"]-->September 25, 2009 11:54 am <!--[END]--> <\/h2>\n\n    <\/header>\n\n  <\/div><br>\n\n \n\n  <div class=\"container\">\n\n    <div class=\"row\">\n\n      <div class=\"col-md-3\" id=\"leftCol\">\n\n        <div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\">\n\n          <div class=\"panel sectionmenu_panel\">\n\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\">\n\n              <p class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"agency_nav\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapseOne\"><strong><i class=\"fa fa-align-justify fa-fw\"><\/i> Public Health Menu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n            <div class=\"panel-collapse collapse in\" id=\"collapseOne\">\n\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" id=\"clf_nav\">\n\n                  <ul class=\"nav nav-stacked nav-pills-clf\" id=\"agency_sidebar\">\n    <li><a href=\"\/dph\/\"><h2>Home <i class=\"fa fa-home fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a><\/li>\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#agency_sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#HomeMenu\"><h2>About <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\n      <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"HomeMenu\">\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/about.html\">About DPH<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/sections.html\">Sections &#038; 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Wellness<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/healthyhomes.html\">Healthy Homes<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/healthywp.html\">Healthy Workplaces<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/lab\/labs.html\">Laboratory<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/feir.html\">Restaurant Inspections<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/screen.html\">Screening and Testing<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/chca\/dphwichominf01.html\">WIC<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/servicesadd.html\">Additional Services<\/a><\/li><li>\n      <\/li><\/ul>\n    <\/li>\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#InformationMenu\"><h2>Information <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"InformationMenu\">\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/factsheetsaz.html\">A-Z Fact Sheets<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/pubreportsaz.html\">A-Z Publications &#038; Reports<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/diseasesandconditions.html\">Diseases &#038; 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This method has the ability to detect non-viable viral\n\n\n  particles and provides optimal sensitivity and specificity for identification of influenza. It can also distinguish the common seasonal\n\n\n  human strains of influenza virus (H1, H3) from uncommon strains (H5 and H7) and from the Novel 2009 H1N1 (swine-like) strain. This\n\n\n  testing service is conducted for public health surveillance purposes to help determine what influenza viral types are circulating in\n\n\n  Delaware. Specimens for submission to DPHL should be from:\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<ul>\n\n\n  <li>Hospitalized patients with screen positive or culture confirmed results, including ante mortem specimens from patients who have died\n\n\n  from influenza like illness\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Sentinel providers who are part of the established influenza surveillance program\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Individuals with influenza-like illness who are a part of a public health outbreak investigation\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Public health clinics\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  Providers are reminded that testing does not need to be done on all patients with symptoms of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control\n\n\n  and Prevention (CDC) recommend testing for individuals at high risk of complications related to influenza. Once influenza activity has\n\n\n  been documented in the community or geographic area, a clinical diagnosis can be made for patients with signs and symptoms consistent\n\n\n  with influenza. This will avoid treatment delays inherent in waiting for test results.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  Test results will be available within 48 to 72 hours from time of receipt, depending on the number of specimens received. Laboratory\n\n\n  couriers will pick up specimens daily from our regular pick-up locations. For pick-up sites see the DPHL web site: \u00a0 <a href=\"\/dph\/lab\/courierroutes.html\">http:\/\/www.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/lab\/courierroutes.html<\/a>.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  To receive a supply of collection kits please contact the laboratory kit room by calling (302) 223-1520 or e-mailing <a href=\"mailto:labsupplies@delaware.gov\">labsupplies@delaware.gov<\/a>. Sentinel physicians are asked to use one of our regular pick-up locations\n\n\n  for pick up of supplies and drop off of specimens. If this is not practical, please call the laboratory kit room to make alternate\n\n\n  arrangements. Use the influenza virus detection kit for collection and transport of specimens for identification of influenza types A and\n\n\n  B. Instructions are included in the kit and are also printed below. If rapid testing has been performed, please provide the results on\n\n\n  the requisition form.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  The testing algorithm that has been used by DPHL from May 1 to October 3, 2009 detects only influenza A and subtypes for only the Novel\n\n\n  2009 H1N1 (swine-like) strain. This algorithm was implemented to help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conserve\n\n\n  reagents. However, in order to provide more complete surveillance data, effective October 5, 2009, the beginning of the 2009-2010\n\n\n  influenza season, the testing algorithm used will detect both influenza A and B as well as subtype both A and B strains. DPHL may adapt\n\n\n  this algorithm during the influenza season to suit detection demands and the predominant influenza strain in circulation. If this occurs,\n\n\n  DPHL will notify specimen submitters.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  We encourage health care providers who submit influenza specimens to DPHL to be on the laboratory\u2019s information management system\n\n\n  (LIMS). This system will provide real time electronic access to test results. Public Health clinics are already on LIMS, but hospitals\n\n\n  and sentinel physicians may not be. To gain access to LIMS you will need to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and receive 1-2 hours of\n\n\n  training. To initiate the process, please call Kathy Gray, DPHL LIMS Administrator, at (302) 223-1520.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  We ask that health care providers be prepared to reduce the number of specimens sent to the DPHL at the peak of the season, traditionally\n\n\n  in mid to late February. This will only be necessary if we exceed our capacity for testing or reagent supplies are low. Should either of\n\n\n  these conditions occur, we will send out an e-mail giving instructions on numbers and types of specimens to submit \u2013 for example\n\n\n  submit a specimen from one in every fifth patient.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h3>\n\n\n  For Private Physicians (not sentinel physicians):\n\n\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  Most commercial laboratories have developed assays that will detect the Novel 2009 H1N1 (swine-like) influenza strain. Therefore,\n\n\n  physicians are encouraged to use their usual contract laboratory for testing for influenza. Commercial laboratories will collaborate with\n\n\n  DPH to refer specimens that they are unable to subtype to the DPHL and to report positive results. Commercial labs will also provide\n\n\n  guidance on collection of specimens and acceptable specimen types to submit for testing. <strong>Do not send patients to emergency rooms\n\n\n  for testing.<\/strong> If you are interested in becoming a sentinel physician for public health surveillance please call the influenza\n\n\n  epidemiologist at (302) 744-1154.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<h3>\n\n\n  Large Group Settings:\n\n\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  For nursing homes, schools, colleges and universities, Department of Corrections, etc. the DPHL will perform testing until 5-10 positive\n\n\n  specimens have been reported. Once the virus is identified and subtyped and it has been established that influenza virus is circulating\n\n\n  in the institution, only testing for individuals at high risk of complications related to influenza will be performed by DPHL. Testing\n\n\n  for large institutions should be done in consultation with the DPH Bureau of Epidemiology at 888-295-5156 who will assist in identifying\n\n\n  and controlling outbreaks and determining specimens to be tested.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  For the latest CDC guidance on the use of rapid antigen detection tests for influenza see: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/h1n1flu\/guidance\/rapid_testing.htm\">http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/h1n1flu\/guidance\/rapid_testing.htm<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p><br>\n\n\n<p class=\"text-center\">\n\n\n  INFLUENZA Virus Detection Kit &#8211; Instructions\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  Use this kit for collection and transport of nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens. Collect specimens as soon as possible after onset of\n\n\n  symptoms. Other types of specimens may be tested, but negative results will indicate the specimen was not the recommended type. For\n\n\n  collection of NP specimens see the DPHL web site at <a href=\"\/dph\/lab\/labs.html\">http:\/\/www.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/lab\/labs.html<\/a>.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<ol>\n\n\n  <li>Kit contains:\u00a0\u00a01 requisition form<br>\n\n\n    \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1\n\n\n    screw-capped tube with 2ml of sterile transport media<br>\n\n\n    \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1\n\n\n    flexible slender nasopharyngeal swab\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Fill in patient name and date collected on tube.\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Complete requisition form. Failure to fill out all the requested information may result in delayed testing or specimen rejection.\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>For collection of nasopharyngeal specimen insert the swab into the posterior nasopharynx and rotate it gently. Contact time should be\n\n\n  10 seconds or at least until the patient coughs.\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Place the swab into the screw-capped tube containing transport medium.\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Place collected specimens along with requisition slip back into original biohazard specimen bag.<br>\n\n\n    Immediately place in a refrigerator (2-8 C). DO NOT FREEZE.\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n  <li>Arrange for transportation of specimen at 4 C (on ice or in cool van) to Virus Diagnostic Laboratory within 24 hours after\n\n\n  collection. Courier specimen pick up locations can be found at the following web address: <a href=\"\/dph\/lab\/courierroutes.html\">http:\/\/www.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/lab\/courierroutes.html<\/a>\n\n\n  <\/li>\n\n\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p class=\"text-center\">\n\n\n  ****\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  You are receiving this email because you are a registered member of the Delaware Health Alert Network.\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p>\n\n\n  If you are not a member and would like to subscribe, please complete the form found online at:\u00a0 <a href=\"\/main\/mailforms\/dph_hanform.aspx\">http:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/main\/mailforms\/dph_hanform.aspx<\/a> .\n\n\n<\/p><!--[END]-->\n\n  \n\n        <div class=\"panel panel-danger\">\n\n          <div class=\"panel-heading\">    \n\n      <h2>Categories of Health Alert messages:<\/h2>\n\n       <\/div>\n\n       <div class=\"panel-body\">\n\n      <ul>\n\n        <li><strong>Health Alert:<\/strong> Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.<\/li>\n\n        <li><strong>Health Advisory:<\/strong> Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.<\/li>\n\n        <li><strong>Health Update:<\/strong> Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.<\/li>\n\n            <\/ul>\n\n         <div><strong>NOTE: This page is for informational purposes only and dated material (e.g. temporary websites) may not be available.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n          <\/div> \n\n        <\/div><br>  \n\n\n\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div><!-- \/container -->\n\n  <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Listen Delaware Health Alert Network #195 September 25, 2009 11:54 am Public Health Menu Home About About DPH Sections &#038; Programs Office Locations Contact Info Calendar Services A-Z Services Air &#038; Water Quality Birth, Death, &#038; Marriage Records Clinics Health Data &#038; Statistics Emergency Preparedness Health &#038; Wellness Healthy Homes Healthy Workplaces Laboratory Restaurant Inspections [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":9294,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10155","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10155"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10155\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11331,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10155\/revisions\/11331"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}