-- MEDIA ADVISORY --

Department of Health to Hold H1N1 Presentation for Media Partners

Health Commissioner –Designee Julia Sheen announced today the Department will host a presentation for the Territory’s reporters on the 2009 H1N1 novel flu virus.

Health experts have predicted increased H1N1 activity this fall and since the virus initially surfaced in the United States in April, information continues to change rapidly.

Sheen said the Department decided to host the H1N1 presentation after polling some reporters and the feedback was positive.

“During a public health threat or emergency rumors can abound when little is known or information changes rapidly, causing undue panic in a community,” Sheen said. “We also know that what can happen when inaccurate information is published or broadcast, thus, our partnership with the media will be key in getting timely and accurate information to the public.”

The lunch presentation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2009 at the Charles Harwood Medical Complex on St. Croix. 

Dr. Richard Olans, an infectious disease specialist with the Department’s HIV/STD/TB Program, will lead the presentation. Sheen and public health emergency staff will be in attendance. The presentation will feature a wide-range of information on the 2009 H1N1 virus to include CDC guidelines for schools, vaccine recommendations and groups identified as at-risk for H1N1.

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