SAN ANTONIO - Gov. Rick Perry today met with San Antonio-area government,
emergency management, health and education officials to discuss ongoing
issues relating to the swine flu (H1N1) virus. The first confirmed Texas
cases of swine flu were in Schertz.
"I'm glad to be in San Antonio to get a firsthand perspective on the impact
of our statewide efforts to contain the spread of the virus," said Gov.
Perry "I wouldn't trade our Texas team for anyone else's and the leaders in
the San Antonio region are proof that Texas has the right people in the
right places to handle this situation."
The governor was joined by Department of State Health Services Region 8
Medical Director Dr. Sandra Guerra, Guadalupe County Judge Mike Wiggins,
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger, San
Antonio ISD Superintendent Dr Robert Duron, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City
ISD Superintendent Dr. Belinda Pustka and Northside ISD Superintendent Dr.
John Folks. The group discussed their respective efforts in addressing the
ongoing swine flu situation. The state of Texas continues to closely
coordinate with local and federal health officials and emergency management
partners by monitoring and responding to this changing threat.
Gov. Perry also reminded community leaders of the importance in taking
necessary preventive precautions without causing undue alarm.
"Texas has a detailed plan in place to deal with this very situation, an
approach based on extensive research, careful planning and collaboration
with our partners at every level," Gov. Perry said. "Texans can be confident
that we are making every effort to stay ahead of the curve, to keep them and
their families as safe as possible."
On Wednesday, Gov. Perry issued a disaster declaration for the entire state
of Texas allowing the state to implement statewide protective measures
associated with the state's response to this public health threat.
Additionally, earlier this week the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention approved Gov. Perry's request for 25 percent (850,000 courses) of
the Texas allotment of antiviral medication from the CDCs Strategic National
Stockpile to be prepositioned in the state. This request supplements more
than 840,000 courses of antiviral medication already on hand in Texas
following a purchase authorized by Gov. Perry and the 80th Legislature in
2007.
CDC's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine
and medical supplies to protect the American public in case of a public
health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake). For more
information on the SNS, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile.
To date, the CDC has confirmed 109 human swine flu cases in the U.S.,
including 26 confirmed cases and one death in Texas.
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal
flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with
swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce
the spread of any respiratory illness.
. Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and
properly dispose of used tissues.
. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Individuals with these flu-like symptoms should call the state's swine flu
call center at 888-777-5320. For health care providers with questions about
assessing, evaluating and treating swine flu, call 877-623-6274. These
lines are operational from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For additional information on the swine flu, please visit:
www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
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