Flu Update (May 6th) for Madison & Dane County
Further Details to be Released Tomorrow (May 7th)
Public Health-Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) has been informed of five confirmed cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) or "swine flu." Four of these cases are children of the same family living in Madison and one is a child living in Sun Prairie. PHMDC is currently in the process of investigating all cases, making contact with the families, health care providers and schools involved. More detailed information will be available tomorrow. There is no expectation that school closures will occur. Based on findings that most cases in the U.S. to date have not been severe, new guidelines issued May 5 from the Centers for Disease Control, no longer recommend school closures for probable or confirmed cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. The CDC now recommends that the primary means to reduce the spread of influenza are to a. focus on the early identification of ill students; b. make sure that affected students and staff stay home when ill; and c. practice good respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and hand washing. To find out more information regarding schools and child care centers and to get the current CDC guidelines, refer to "School and Daycare Information" on our website at www.publichealthmdc.com/H1N1News According to updated recommendations from the State Department of Health Services, there are no longer isolation restrictions for family members of probable or confirmed cases. As long as the contacts of these ill patients remain without influenza like illness symptoms, they are allowed to engage in activities as usual but should continue to monitor their health. As of 2:30PM, May 6th, there have been 79 tested cases in Dane County, 62 tested negative, 5 are confirmed, and 11 are pending. In addition, one case previously considered probable based on clinical history and preliminary lab results has been reclassified as "under investigation." However, this case continues to be managed, in all respects, as a probable case. Public Health continues to be informed of cases as test results come in and our website will continue to post daily updates as information becomes available.
