11 Probable Cases of H1N1 Influenza Virus Identified in Oregon

Oregon has received its first shipment of antiviral medications and respiratory protection equipment from the Centers for CDC to treat and protect citizens during the H1N1 flu outbreak.

cdn.necn.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - As of late Saturday, 11 people in Oregon have been identified as having probable cases of H1N1 influenza virus.

Oregon's Department of Human Services reports that additional specimens being tested at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory in Hillsboro.

State public health officials say they expect to know in the next few days whether any of the cases are confirmed as H1N1.

The county breakdown of the eleven probable cases is listed below:

Lane (2)

Marion (1)

Multnomah (2)

Polk (2)

Umatilla (1)

Wallowa (1)

Washington (2)

“None of these 11 individuals has been hospitalized,” Mel Kohn, M.D., state public health officer in the Oregon Department of Human Services, said today.

“However, the fact that this is a new strain of flu means we still need to be concerned and be preparing for what may come.”

Antivirals: Oregon has received its first shipment of antiviral medications and respiratory protection equipment from the Centers for Disease Control’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile to treat and protect citizens during the H1N1 flu outbreak.

Oregon, like other states, is receiving a quarter of the stockpile that the federal government is holding for each state -- we are scheduled to receive 90,850 courses of Tamiflu® and 25,503 courses of Relenza® (zanamivir).

These antiviral medications are part of the shipment, as well as respiratory protective devices such N-95 face masks and personal protection equipment like gloves and gowns.

“Oregonians can take comfort in knowing a portion of our federal stockpile is here, and that we will carefully and prudently distribute these resources when appropriate,” Kohn said.

Supplies from the stockpile are not meant for general public consumption. Guidance on the use of the medication and equipment will be provided by the CDC and state Public Health Division.

“A good rule of thumb for Oregonians is to follow their normal habits for seeking medical advice when experiencing flu-like symptoms. If you are uncertain about whether or not you need medical attention, call your health care provider and make a determination together,” Kohn said.

State health officials continue to discourage Oregonians from stocking up on antivirals for which they have no immediate use.

Protections against the flu: Dr. Kohn continues to stress that the best protections against the H1N1 influenza virus are to wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or a sleeve (never your hand), and stay home if you are ill.

Pork not a disease source: People cannot catch H1N1 influenza virus, also known as swine flu, from eating pork.

Updated information can be found on the flu.oregon.gov website.