Name Change
The Department of Homeland Security now refers to the “swine flu” as the “2009-H1N1 Flu.” This change was made because the term, “swine flu” may inappropriately negatively impact the sale of pork and pork products. (Humans cannot catch this flu virus by eating pork.)
Plan for the Worst
“Plan for the worst and hope for the best,” said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano in a hearing this morning before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. She also noted that it is time to “dust off pandemic flu plans.” Since this pandemic flu may be with us for some time and is very likely to continue to spread to more states, we emphasize the importance of following Secretary Napolitano’s advice to review pandemic plans. Helpful planning resources were provided in first swine flu update and additional information is provided on the AHCA/NCAL swine flu updates page. More resources are listed at the end of this memo.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first U.S. fatality and a total of 91 confirmed 2009-H1N1 flu cases in 10 states as follows: AZ (1), CA (14), IN (1), KS (2), MA (2), MI (2), NV (1), NYC (51), OH (1) and TX (16). The CDC states on its website that as the virus continues to spread, “more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.”
CDC continues to issue new guidance relating to the H1N1 flu and today released Interim Guidance for Clinicians on Identifying and Caring for Patients with Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection. According to this interim guidance:
- Patients experience fever, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea), myalgia, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Since there is insufficient data to determine who is at higher risk for complications, the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications should be considered at higher risk for swine-origin influenza complications.
Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
As reported in yesterday’s update, 25% of the SNS is being released to the states. During today’s Senate hearing, Secretary Napolitano stated that the full 25% of SNS materials (which includes antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection devices) would arrive in all 50 states by May 3. All 50 states have additional antivirals in their own state stockpiles. Each state has its own plan for distribution of the materials.
No 1135 Waivers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Medicaid and State Operations/Survey and Certification Group issued a memo clarifying that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has not invoked the 1135 authority to waive or modify certain survey and certification and Medicare requirements.
More Pandemic Resources