Bituminous Insurance Companies
Release Date: April 29, 2009
Public health officials within the United States and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza (swine flu) in humans. As of Wednesday, April 29, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 91 cases in 10 States and the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an additional 48 laboratory-confirmed cases in seven countries, with most occurring in Mexico (26 cases). Unconfirmed reports of suspected infections are substantially higher and more confirmed cases are expected in upcoming weeks.
Swine flu is a highly contagious, acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Flu outbreaks in pigs are common, especially during winter months. Swine flu viruses cause high level of illnesses and low death rates in pigs. Studies have shown 30 to 50 percent of commercial U.S. swine have been infected with swine flu.
Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. Between 2005 and January 2009, there were 12 human cases of swine flu detected in the United States. Cases most commonly occur in people with direct exposure to pigs, but human-to-human transmission is possible. The most well-known, recent case of human swine flu in the U.S. is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. This outbreak affected more than 200 people and caused 1 death.
CDC has identified the virus strains associated with the current human outbreak as influenza A viruses of the H1N1 subtype. The specific virus strain has a unique genetic makeup and has not been previously detected in pigs or humans. There are no vaccines that contain this virus strain and it is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection.
Spread of the virus between humans is thought to be happening in the same way as seasonal flu spread; however, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The first U.S. infections were reported in late March and early April in Southern California and near San Antonio, TX. Since then, infections have been confirmed in Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Ohio.
So far, the virulence of the human swine flu infections detected in the United States has been mild, with only one death reported and five hospitalizations. The virulence of human swine flu has been more severe in Mexico, with at least seven confirmed deaths reported to WHO, and more than 70 deaths suspected. Investigators have determined that the virus in Mexico is of the same strain as the virus in the United States.
On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) declared a public health emergency in the United States. This allowed the agency to free up federal, State, and local agencies, and their resources, for prevention and mitigation; use medication and diagnostic tests that they might not otherwise be able to use; and release funds for the acquisition of additional antivirals. On Tuesday, the WHO raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks. The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.
CDC has issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid unessential travel to Mexico and has provided precautions that people should take who must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu. For the general public, they are currently recommending mitigation steps traditionally used during ordinary flu season, such as avoiding close contact and good hand hygiene. CDC has issued specific guidance for pregnant women, caregivers, and public health agencies.
CDC has set up an Internet Web site to disseminate updated information about swine flu in the United States at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. They are updating the Web site as more information becomes available. WHO has set up a Web site on international concerns at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
OSHA addresses workplace preparedness and response issues for pandemics on their Web site at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/pandemicflu/index.html. These recommendations differ, depending on the likelihood for occupational exposure. Workplace preparedness for pandemic flu is also addressed on the DHHS Web site, PandemicFlu.Gov, at http://pandemicflu.gov/index.html.
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The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.