FEMA: National Situation Update: Sunday, April 26, 2009

FEMA: National Situation Update: Sunday, April 26, 2009: "Swine Influenza - USA
Eleven human cases of Swine Influenza A H1N1 viral infection have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): seven in California, two in Texas, and two in Kansas. The U.S. cases were mild influenza, with only one case requiring brief hospitalization. The virus appears to be treatable with antiviral drugs (HHS April 26, 2009 1:21 a.m. EDT). No U.S. travel restrictions are posted, and no border restrictions are in effect. The New York City Health Department is investigating a cluster of respiratory illnesses in a non-public school in New York City. The New York Health Department is working closely with the CDC to assess the possibility of the spread of swine flu (NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Press Release #015-09, April 25, 2009).

Swine Influenza - International
The Government of Mexico reports 857 influenza-like illnesses, with 67 fatalities. The Government of Mexico is taking precautions to reduce the spread of the illness. Canadian testing confirms 18 cases of Swine Influenza A H1N1 identified so far in Mexico. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern. The Director-General is recommending that all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like" illness and severe pneumonia. WHO and PAHO are monitoring the situation and coordinating investigative efforts with the CDC(Statement by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, April 25, 2009).

U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC is monitoring the epidemiological patterns of transmission and working with the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and State health officials in investigating the situation to make future decisions. CDC's investigation for new cases is on-going.

CDC is preparing guidance for containment such as isolation and/or quarantine. CDC deployed 7 epidemiologists to California (3 to Imperial County; 4 to San Diego County) and one senior medical officer to San Antonio, Texas to provide guidance and technical support. CDC has also deployed one medical officer and one senior expert to Mexico as part of a global team that is responding to the outbreak of respiratory illnesses in Mexico. (CDC Human Swine Influenza Investigation Report, April 25, 2009, 7:00 p.m. EDT)

FEMA / Federal Response to the H1N1 Swine Influenza A
FEMA NRCC is maintaining contact with FEMA Regions, DHS/NOC, and HHS/CDC. Regions II, VI, VII, and IX are monitoring the situation closely. DHS Office of Health Affairs is engaged in providing general guidelines to DHS personnel and conducting daily outreach to Governors, Homeland Security Advisors and State leadership.