This is a modified version of the script I planned to use for this week’s podcast — which will be recorded over the weekend when I find some time. I missed Thursday’s regular recording because other things came up, but I managed to get the script done. This has been updated to reflect the latest:
Seven cases of the H1N1 influenza – more commonly known as swine flu – have been confirmed in New Jersey, with two others being suspected.
Swine flu is a respiratory ailment that affects pigs, often causing high levels of illness but few deaths, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control. Human outbreaks are unusual, the CDC says, with just 12 reported cases of human infection occurring between December 2005 and February 2009.
That’s why national and state officials are mobilizing to stem what they fear could be a human pandemic in the United States. Federal health authorities have declared a public health emergency in an effort to raise awareness at the same time that the World Health Organization has elevated its alert level to indicate that an emergency may be imminent.
Already, there have been 141 cases reported in the United States, including one death in Texas, and more than 600 cases worldwide.
Mexico is considered ground-zero for the current outbreak, with 97 confirmed human cases and seven deaths.
The governor and health officials confirmed the New Jersey cases over the last two days, which including four in Burlington County and cases in Monmouth, Bergen and Somerset counties. Four of the five people infected recently traveled to Mexico, which is believed to be the source of the sickness, while a fifth person traveled to California, where there have been 14 confirmed cases.
None of the patients were hospitalized, according to officials, and all have recovered.
The infections are in a 47-year-old man, a 14-year-old boy, and a 10-year-old girl, all members of the same family, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. The children did not attend school before becoming infected, and have not returned since, the press release said.
A Burlington County representative said Thursday the cases are in the southern part of the county, outside of the local area.
The symptoms are similar to those of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to state health officials. It spreads through human contact — via coughing or sneezing or by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching the mouth or nose.
State officials said they were not surprised by the outbreak, but made it clear that residents should not panic.
“Of the five confirmed cases,” state Health Commissioner Heather Howard said, “it should be noted they were in three different regions of the state, so we are not seeing non-family clustered cases. New Jersey will continue its surveillance activities and continue its coordinated response with our federal, state and local health care partners.”
In addition to common hygiene practices such as washing one’s hands and avoiding touching one’s nose and mouth, the county has asked groups to cancel non-essential community events that may draw large groups in which the disease could spread.
The best advice, however, comes from Burlington County Health Officer Robert Gogats:
“Residents should be concerned but there is no need to panic,” he said in a press release. “Simple steps will help protect you and your family.”
Hank Kalet 