Small Town News

Rolette County sees first cases of 2009 H1N1 Virus

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On Wednesday, September 23, the North Dakota Department of Health released confirmation of three lab-confirmed cases of 2009 MINI (Swine Flu) virus for Rolette County. These three cases are the first Influenza A. Novel HIN l cases to be reported for Rolette County. Now that the county has had its first confirmed cases, the Rolette County Public Health District is encouraging residents to increase measures to protect themselves, their families and their communities.

'"We must be pro-active in our fight against this virus," says Barb Frydenlund. Administrator for the Rolette County Public Health District. "Some people might think our community is overreacting, but we believe taking aggressive prevention measures now will help us get ahead of the virus and slow its spread in our community."

What preventative measures should be taken to reduce a person's likelihood of getting sick? "The best protection we have right now against this virus is taking proven public health measures such as washing your, hands with soap and water frequently, using proper respiratory etiquette (coughing into a tissue or into your arm) using social distancing measures (staying home when you are sick and staying away from others who are sick), and getting vaccinated against both the seasonal flu virus and the HINl virus" adds Frydenlund. "These measures may sound very basic, but they have a proven track record of reducing illness and death.

The HINl virus can live on surfaces for several hours, so routinely cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is an important step in reducing the transmission of the virus from person to person. Pay particular attention to areas such as door handles, light switches, hand rails, computers/electronics (keyboards, mouse), desk and file cabinet handles and surfaces, chairs, telephones, eating surfaces, rest rooms, toys, diaper stations, playground equipment, and any other surface that may be frequently touched with the 'hands, mouth, or body fluid (such as with young children). Wipe these surfaces with a household disinfectant that would normally be used for that particular surface, following the directions on the product label (including dilution rate and contact time). What product should you use?

The website: www.epa.gov/oppadOOl/influenza-disinfectants.html has a list of over 500 EPA-approved cleaning/disinfectant products that are effective against Influenza A Viruses.

How do you know if you are sick with the HINl virus? Similar to seasonal flu, with HINl you'll experience symptoms such' as flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, or exhaustion. If you do get sick, stay home (until at least 24 hours after your fever subside, without the aid of medication, such as Tylenol or Motrin). If you do get sick, you will likely be home for 5-7 days. Therefore, start preparing now to make sure you have enough food, medication and other items you will need if you do get ill.

"We must be disciplined to isolate ourselves at home if we're not feeling well," adds Frydenlund. "I know the temptation is to continue going to work, going to the store or going to school, but to do that is to risk spreading the virus to other peo'-ple in our community."

The 2009 HINl vaccine is expected to be ready in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, everyone is encouraged to get their seasonal flu shot (Call the Rolette County Public Health District at 477-5646 for availability). Along with getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and your family by taking everyday preventative measures to reduce your chances of getting sick using the 3 C's. Clean (wash your hands frequently), Contain (Stay home when you are sick), and Cover (Cover your cough or sneeze, using a tissue or your arm).

No one knows what the impact of the fall flu season will be until we are in the middle of it. But how severe the flu becomes this fall will depend on how seriously each of us takes action to reduce the risk now. Sta.y informed, and follow public health advice as it becomes available in the upcoming months. Call the Rolette County Public Health; District at (701) 477-5646 with any; additional questions or visit; www.flu.gov

These sites provides guidance to! prepare for, prevent, and respond to; HINl. They include checklists, fact; sheets, and several other resources; that will help families and others! make sure they are prepared.

"Some people might think our community is overreacting, but we believe taking aggressive prevention measures now will help us get ahead of the virus and slow its spread in our community."

Barb Frydenlund



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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