Latest information on Swine Flu

Fort HealthCare is responding to the local, regional and international situation concerning the H1N1 influenza virus.  Please come to this website for frequent updates regarding the status of the outbreak.

The State of Wisconsin and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed three cases of H1N1 flu in Wisconsin- two cases in Milwaukee County and one in Adams County.  Many more probable cases have been found.

For more information from the State of Wisconsin, visit http://www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov

A Spanish version is at http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/category.asp?linkcatid=3135&linkid=1567&locid=106

Additional guidance and the latest information regarding the ongoing international efforts to address swine flu can be found on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Ways to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 virus include:

·         Stay home for seven (7) days after the start of illness and fever is gone

·         Call your healthcare provider if you develop influenza-like symptoms. You will be advised as to whether you should be seen or if you need to take anti-viral medications

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer of ten, especially after using tissues

·         Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm of sleeve

·         Don’t share drinking cups and straws

·         Avoid close contact with others who are sick

·         Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to keep from getting dehydrated

·         Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (i.e., doorknobs, refrigerator handles, telephones, faucets)

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches and/or tiredness, and in some cases, nausea or diarrhea.

As of Monday, May 4 Barrie Elementary School is closed as a student was identified with a probable case of Influenza A H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu).  Due to this case, the Jefferson County Health Department has ordered that Barrie Elementary will be closed indefinitely with plans to tentatively reopen on Monday, May 11th. The exact date that Barrie will reopen will be determined by the Jefferson County Health Department and the Wisconsin Division of Health. 

According to Jefferson County Health Department, the purpose of closing schools is to limit contact among children to decrease their risk of getting sick and to limit the spread of infection. Parents are advised to keep their children at home until further updates are available.

All other schools in the School District of Fort Atkinson will remain open at this time. Daily updates will be provided via the school web-page www.fortschools.org and the local media.

A link to a micro-site webpage is also available from this page.  Click on this link to get the latest information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and more.  The site is located at http://www.staywellcustomweb.com/swineflu/