Members of the Metropolitan King County Council Monday expressed satisfaction with the heightened local monitoring and other steps being taken by Public Health in connection with the current outbreak of swine flu.

Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, told the council that no cases of swine flu have been reported in King County and the state of Washington as of today. He said the 40 cases confirmed in the U.S. have been mild, with no serious illnesses or deaths.

“At Public Health we are actively preparing with our partners for the real possibility of swine flu here in our region,” said Fleming. “Whether or not swine flu arrives in King County, now is the time to get prepared. The more we are all prepared at home, the better we’ll be able to respond and recover.”

He said Public Health has asked local health care providers to notify them of suspected swine flu cases and has made arrangements with the state Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the swift and seamless submittal of suspect lab specimens for testing and confirmation.

Dr. Jeff Duchin, Disease Control Officer for Communicable Disease at Public Health – Seattle & King County, said the CDC has asked to receive all suspect lab specimens to ensure that cases that may appear as seasonal flu are not in fact the new strain of swine flu. He also said local providers are being advised on how to screen patients who present flu-like symptoms and that Public Health will investigate any cases of severe unexplained respiratory illness. Duchin said Public Health is recommending that the public not seek health care that they would not otherwise seek.

“Preparation for a flu pandemic includes staying at home when you are sick, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing measures,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, a member of the Board of Health. “This situation is a good reminder that everyone always should be prepared for any emergency, with a supply of food, water and any medications you regularly take.” Lambert said more information about emergency preparedness can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu.aspx.

Public Health also contributed the following fact sheet in connection with today’s briefing:

• When should I seek medical care?

At this time, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends people use their usual decision-making criteria about when to seek medical care.

If you are mildly ill with flu-like symptoms and would not ordinarily go to the doctor, do not seek medical care at this time.

If you are feeling very ill with flu-like symptoms, seek medical care as you would under ordinary circumstances. If you recently returned from an area where there are confirmed swine flu cases and feel ill with flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider.

• What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. The CDC has determined that the current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

• Everyday behaviors to stay healthy:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To further prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

• If you get sick with Influenza

If you get sick, Public Health – Seattle & King County strongly recommends that you stay home from work or school so you can get better and keep others from getting sick.

Also, if you get sick remain at home and avoid contact with others until 7 days after your first symptoms began or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

For more information and on-going updates visit

www.kingcounty.gov/health/pandemicflu/

or call the Public Health Hotline at (206) 296-4949.