Cheers,
Buat Duit Dengan Blog

Cheers,
Buat Duit Dengan Blog

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver was informed earlier today that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had confirmed the first case of novel influenza A (H1N1) in Iowa. In addition, the Iowa Department of Public Health ( IDPH) had identified a total of six probable cases of H1N1 flu among school-age individuals and young adults in Marshall County.

As a precautionary move, the Marshalltown Community School District, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Education, IDPH and local public health, has voluntarily announced the temporary closure of Marshalltown Community School District schools. The schools will be closed, at a minimum, beginning today through Sunday, May 10.

“On the state level, we are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of this flu,” said Governor Culver. “I appreciate the hard work and cooperation of both state and local officials as we continue to monitor the situation and work to ensure the health and safety of Iowans.”

With one confirmed case along with probable cases of H1N1 flu now identified in Iowa, it is clear the virus is circulating in the state. This means additional school closings may become necessary in the future.

This makes it even more important for parents, children and all Iowans to help prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands frequently, and always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use an alcohol-based hand gel is soap and water is not available.

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, or your sleeve or elbow.

• If you feel ill, even if you think you could ‘tough it out’ at work, stay home! Don’t send your children to school if they feel ill.

• If you have an illness in which your temperature rises above 100 F, along with other symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion and extreme tiredness, contact your health care provider to be seen and tested in a way that will not endanger the health of others.

Earlier today, Governor Culver signed a declaration of a public health emergency in the state, after the first case of H1N1 flu was confirmed by the CDC. The public health disaster declaration gives the state additional flexibility that may be needed to carry out the work of protecting the health of Iowans by allowing for several provisions, such as the purchase of additional antivirals, the deployment of public health response teams, and the possible isolation of individuals or groups.

An influenza hotline – 1-800-447-1985 – has been established to answer public questions about the disease. A separate hotline for health care providers is available at 1-866-282-5815. More information on swine influenza is also available at http://www.governor.iowa.gov and http://www.idph.state.ia.us.

For information about the Marshalltown Community School District, contact Superintendent Marvin Wade at 641-754-1000.