As Congress prepares to deal with the public health emergency caused by the swine flu virus, the Congressional Global Health Caucus will hold a briefing next week to address the spread of Swine Influenza in the U.S. and abroad.
In light of the rapidly changing information about the infection, which has passed the point of containment, and the challenge of keeping Congress informed and prepared to respond, caucus leaders will lead an important information effort to help members stay up-to-date about the global spread of the disease.
“While no cases in the U.S. have yet proved fatal, it is important that we remain prepared and vigilant in our efforts to contain the Swine Flu virus,” said Congressman Dave Reichert, who represents the Eighth District, which includes Redmond. “This must include involvement at all levels of government, including internationally. The U.S. and Mexico need to work together on a coordinated response to prevent this outbreak from becoming a pandemic, and both governments must prepare and communicate to their citizens about ongoing developments. Every individual needs to take precautions to help contain the pandemic, and we must all be cautious about our health and well-being to protect our families and especially our children from contracting this dangerous virus.”
The Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency as a precautionary measure to ensure the U.S. can easily and immediately access vital resources. The caucus will closely monitor the outbreak and its potential to become an epidemic and disseminate timely information to members and staff by circulating Dear Colleagues communications and convening briefings about the evolving situation.
The co-chairs of the bipartisan caucus are U.S. Representatives Betty McCollum, Dave Reichert, Vic Snyder, Donna Christensen, Mike Simpson and Joe Wilson. The Congressional Global Health Caucus provides a forum for Members of Congress, congressional staff and the global health community to share information, dialogue and enhance understanding regarding the existing and emerging global health challenges facing the U.S. and the world.
For more, visit: http://reichert.house.gov/Biography/globalhealth/.
