Brewer Issues Statement on Swine Flu

I'm sorry to say, but this is just the beginning of the swine flu issue. Being a border state almost guarantees that cases will pop up here. If it has made it to New York, it will make it here. Governor Brewer released the following statement.

Governor Brewer Convenes State Swine Flu Team

Reviews Response Plans with Key Cabinet Officials

Phoenix - Governor Jan Brewer met late today with senior staff and cabinet officials to evaluate the State of Arizona's enhanced monitoring of potential cases of Swine Flu, as well as to review preparedness plans in the event that cases are confirmed in Arizona.

"I convened a meeting this afternoon of my top cabinet officials involved with monitoring and coordinating our preparedness and response plans for any potential outbreak of Swine Flu in Arizona," stated Brewer. "To date, no cases of Swine Flu have been identified in Arizona. However, the State Lab and local clinicians have enhanced their surveillance to identify any Arizona cases quickly and have reviewed plans for appropriate response if cases are identified in the future."

Governor Brewer has received frequent situational briefings beginning last Friday and over the weekend regarding ongoing communications between state and federal public health experts and homeland security officials. In specific, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Homeland Security departments have provided continuous informational updates to the State of Arizona regarding federal travel advisories, international health expert updates, as well as efforts to disseminate 25% of the federal stockpile of antiviral drugs. Arizona has applied for and will receive additional stockpiles of antiviral medications from the federal government, adding to the State's previously acquired stockpile. Per federal requirements, the stockpiles are restricted for treatment purposes of identified illnesses only.

This afternoon's meeting included top officials from:

• Arizona Department of Health Services
• Arizona Department of Homeland Security
• Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs
• Arizona Department of Public Safety
• Arizona Department of Agriculture
• Arizona Department of Education
• Arizona Department of Transportation
• Arizona-Mexico Commission

The Arizona Department of Health Services has been in communication with healthcare providers, counties, tribes, medical associations, hospitals, and emergency departments with disease summary, infection control, treatment and testing recommendations.

According to the CDC, Swine Flu symptoms are similar to those of the common human influenza (flu) virus - fever, cough, sore throat, headache, etc.

"Arizona's public health officials are prepared to respond should Swine Flu cases be discovered in Arizona, and will remain vigilant in monitoring for this illness. It is very important that citizens take basic, common sense precautions to avoid close contact with people who are ill," said Governor Brewer. "Washing your hands often with soap and water or utilizing hand sanitizers is helpful in preventing the spread of these types of illnesses. If you experience flu symptoms, please stay in bed, get rest, and drink plenty of fluids. If you are concerned about your symptoms, see your doctor."