Health Experts, CDC Team in Territory for Influenza and All Hazards Planning

Health Experts, CDC Team in Territory for Influenza and All Hazards Planning
Posted by Eunice Bedminster on September 3, 2009 at 1:15 PM AST

Health Commissioner Julia Sheen announced today that a four-member team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of States and Territories Health Officers (ASTHO) are on island this week providing assistance to the Department of Health on issues relating to 2009 H1N1 and all-hazards planning.

The group, which has been meeting on the island of St. Thomas, met on St. Croix Wednesday to tour the Department’s surveillance capability with the anticipation of increased H1N1 cases, coupled with seasonal flu, this year.

Members of the team include CDC Subject Matter Experts (SME) in Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication; Epidemiology, and Influenza Vaccination and are on island following a request by Sheen earlier this year.

“The team is here for a week to assist us in fine-tuning our influenza and all-hazard plans to better prepare us for dealing with events where the public’s health is threatened,” Sheen said. “Like other Health agencies nationwide, we take our cue from the CDC on how to deal with the 2009 H1N1 virus and this visit could not have come at a better time.”

On Thursday, the group met with Health officials at Palms Court Harborview to discuss Continuity of Operations or COOP.

“Since the H1N1 virus surfaced in the United States, the Department has worked closely with the CDC to provide residents with information that they can use to remain vigilant and help limit the spread of the virus,” Sheen said. “This in-person visit from the CDC shows the interest that this agency has in working with the Territory to ensure that the public’s health and safety is paramount in local response efforts.”

Sheen reminds residents to seek medical care if they have a fever of over 100, sore throat, body fatigue and cough and avoid contact with others, to prevent spreading the virus. Preventative measures to stay healthy include:

Coughing and sneezing into sleeves or elbow area and not into the hands.

Remembering to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is used, throw the tissue in the trash after use and wash your hands;

Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when water and soap are not available.