May 6, 2009

Nassau County Department of Health

Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Outbreak Investigation Update

Today, New York State Department of Health reported three (3) additional confirmed cases of H1N1 to Nassau County Department of Health. Two of these cases are students who attend St. Francis Preparatory school in Queens. One resides in Valley Stream and the other in West Hempstead.  The third is a student who attends Manhasset Public Schools with no travel history and no links to known clusters.  All Nassau County cases had mild illness and are recovering.

As of 05/06/09 at 3:30 pm, Nassau County has:

• Six (6) Confirmed.
• No  Probable.
• No Hospitalized

"We are urging all residents to be prepared, not scared," said County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

Nassau County Executive Suozzi and Nassau County Department of Health advise individuals to protect themselves and prevent the spread of illness by doing the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

**This is a rapidly evolving situation.  This update provides interim guidance.  This update is likely to change in the upcoming days and weeks as more information becomes available.