Medical officials at Joint Base on alert for H1N1 flu virus Published April 30, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. Paula A. Paige 87th Air Base Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Although the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has identified seven suspected cases of the swine flu in the state, a medical official at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst said no one at any of the regional bases has reported ill with the H1N1 virus, which has killed scores of people in Mexico, one in the United States and is spreading worldwide. Urging the local military community not to panic, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Marc Neiberg, chief of Clinic Aerospace Medicine for the 87th Medical Group, said on April 28, "We have not seen any cases of H1N1 or any high fevers associated with this flu here at the base." Colonel Neiberg, who is also McGuire's Public Health Emergency Officer, coordinates with state agencies on issues such as pandemics. "People in the regional McGuire community should continue their normal activities," he said. "If you believe you have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, contact your doctor. Try Motrin and Tylenol for pain and fever, and drink lots of fluids, so you don't get dehydrated. People with respiratory difficulties and compromised immune systems, senior citizens and very young people are more susceptible to viruses such as H1N1. "If needed, we can put people on Tamiflu and Relenza, two anti-virals shown to be effective against this strain of H1N1," Colonel Neiberg continued. Other symptoms of H1N1 may include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heightening fears, at press time on April 29, several news sources reported that the World Health Organization had raised its pandemic alert to 5, its second-highest level, indicating the outbreak is nearing widespread human infection. The WHO's alert system ranges from phase 1 to 6, with phase 6 indicating a global pandemic is under way. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also raised the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 in the United States to 91. According to other reports, a U.S. Marine in California is also suspected of having the H1N1 flu, and three military family members in San Diego have confirmed cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. As a precaution, the military is banning travel to Mexico for nonessential personnel, the reports said. The H1N1 also reportedly killed a 23-month-old toddler in Texas--the first victim in the United States. The Defense Department's worldwide influenza monitoring program credited the medical staff at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, for helping to identify the H1N1 virus detected in two 16-year-old boys in mid-April. Both boys have made full recoveries, and no additional cases have been identified at the Randolph clinic, a medical official there said. None of the seven people in the suspected New Jersey cases were hospitalized and all are recovering at home, according to several news reports. All of the people in the probable cases had traveled recently to Mexico or California, the news reports said. The CDC is expected to confirm the cases soon. Defense Department officials are monitoring the H1N1 outbreak closely, with their primary focus on protecting the military population, a senior Pentagon official said April 27. As officials with the Department of Health and Human Services lead the U.S. effort, the military is posturing itself to respond if required, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. The Pentagon is organizing a task force that would help with transportation, logistics and distributing medical supplies in the event of a pandemic, a news report said. President Barack Obama told the National Academy of Sciences the emerging incidence of H1N1 in the United States "is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it's not a cause for alarm." President Obama said HHS officials have declared a public health emergency only "as a precautionary tool to ensure that we have the resources we need at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively." Officials with HHS, the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security will provide the American people regular updates about steps being taken and precautions that may be required, he said. One precautionary step is already under way on the Joint Base. Located in Building 1821 on McGuire, the Emergency Operations Center, or EOC, is the central command and control facility responsible for strategic response and recovery actions during emergencies and major planned events, such as last year's air expo. Members of the EOC coordinate information, analyze data and allocate resources in accordance with the National Incident Management System. Anything from an aircraft mishap to, if necessary, a pandemic the EOC will coordinate with all on- and off-base agencies ensuring leaders and functional areas are in sync. "When the EOC stands up for an event, our sole purpose is to ensure a coordinated, effective and safe course of action is implemented to mitigate the situation presented." said Steve Robertson, chief of Readiness and Emergency Management for the Joint Base. "We're extremely fortunate to enjoy a tremendous working relationship with our counterparts in the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management. "Our EOC works seamlessly, and in a truly coordinated fashion, with the county and state EOCs," he continued. "In the case of a pandemic, its widespread nature demands a high level of close coordination. That shared desire to serve, and courage to act is certainly nothing new for base and Burlington County emergency services." The H1N1 virus was first isolated from a pig in 1930, according to the CDC's website. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs, the website said. Human-to-human transmission can occur in the same way seasonal flu occurs in people, through contact with infected people who are coughing or sneezing. If anyone comes to the base with flu-like symptoms, a nasal swab will be taken, which will then be sent to nearby Virtua Memorial Hospital, Colonel Neiberg said. If the test is negative for the human variety, then it is assumed it may be the H1N1 virus. The results will then be sent on to the CDC in Atlanta for confirmation. "We recognize that swine flu will likely be an ongoing public health issue," New Jersey's Health and Human Services Commissioner Heather Howard said. "Fortunately, as elsewhere in the country, these probable cases have mild illness. Right now, I want to emphasize that the best form of prevention is to observe good health hygiene, including covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently and staying home from school or work if you're sick." Meanwhile, Col. Neiberg said McGuire's Medical Center is trying to allay the fears of the military community. "I've had a couple of calls from pilots who were flying yesterday," he said. "They had questions and concerns. I reassured them over the phone. Our bottom line is to protect the public, evaluate and, until we know more, do everything possible to make people aware. No one needs to be made nervous or become scared." A KC-10 instructor pilot and a father of two, Lt. Col. Dave Mott said he can relate to the concern among pilots and the local population. "We travel globally at a moment's notice," said Mott, who is also chief of safety for the 305th Air Mobility Wing. As the wing's safety guru, Colonel Mott focuses on eliminating human and aircraft mishaps. The recent H1N1 outbreak, however, had him concentrating his safety efforts on the home front. "Last night, we made our children wash their hands--twice" he said. "I was taught at the combatant command level to sneeze and cough into the crook of my elbow, not my hand. Not that it's a sign of disrespect, but now would be a good time to stop shaking hands or have the hand sanitizer ready after you've made contact with someone." (Donna Miles of the American Forces Press Service contributed to this report.) Staying healthy The U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry has distributed CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus to the federal work force. Mr. Berry also distributed guidance for federal agencies to protect their work forces and the public and to ensure continuity of operations in the event that they must institute their already-prepared pandemic influenza preparedness plans. CDC specialists recommend the following actions people can take 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. CDC experts also recommend avoiding close contact with sick people, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing, and to stay home if you're sick to avoid infecting others. Answering your questions about the H1N1 virus Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the H1N1 virus: What is the H1N1 virus, or swine flu? Swine Influenza (H1N1) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of H1N1 happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of H1N1 happen in people who are around pigs but it's possible for H1N1 viruses to spread from person to person. Are there human infections with H1N1 in the United States? In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. Is this H1N1 virus contagious? CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people? The symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. How serious is the H1N1 infection? Like seasonal flu, H1N1 in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of H1N1 were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. How do you catch the H1N1 virus? Spread of H1N1 can occur in two ways: · Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses. · Through contact with a person with H1N1. Human-to-human spread of the H1N1 virus has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. How long can an infected person spread H1N1 to others? People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: · 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. · Try to avoid close contact with sick people. · If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. What should I do if I get sick? If you live in San Diego County or Imperial County, Calif., or Guadalupe County, Texas, and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: · Fast breathing or trouble breathing · Bluish skin color · Not drinking enough fluids · Not waking up or not interacting · Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held · Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough · Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: · Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath · Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen · Sudden dizziness · Confusion · Severe or persistent vomiting Can I get H1N1 from eating or preparing pork? No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. More information on the H1N1 virus can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine, or call (800) CDC-INFO (800 232-4636).