Swine Influenza Investigation Update

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is providing daily updates to the Board of Supervisors to keep us apprised of activities during the current swine influenza outbreak. HCA continues to coordinate efforts with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), participating in daily national and state conference calls, and coordinating local response and communication activities.

National and State Update as of Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 8:00 AM

There are now eleven confirmed swine flu cases in California, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the U.S. to 65. Two additional cases may be confirmed today in Sacramento County. The numbers are being updated throughout the day, as the case count is expected to continue to increase.

  • At this time, the CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
  • In California, school closings have been reported in San Diego, Sacramento and Los Angeles Counties due to confirmed or suspected cases.
  • General information on national and state case counts and information can be found at http://cdc.gov/swineflub

Local Updates as of Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 8:00 AM

  • There are currently NO reported cases of swine influenza in Orange County. The Public Health Laboratory is testing specimens submitted by local hospitals and providers. Efforts are being made to prioritize specimens that meet CDC and CDPH case criteria. As needed, samples will be sent to the CDPH laboratory for confirmation.
  • HCA is continuing enhanced surveillance with hospitals and healthcare providers. Public Health Epidemiology is fielding numerous inquiries from providers. Epidemiology staff will continue to work with John Wayne Airport regarding identification and management of ill passengers and public health messages.
  • HCA has activated the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) to Level One. In addition, both the HCA Emergency Medical Services and Public Health Disease Control Departmental Operations Centers have been activated. HCA Health Disaster Management (HDM) is working with the Operational Area leadership at Loma Ridge to coordinate our regional response.
  • HCA is working with CDPH on possible receipt of antiviral medications and health care supplies.
  • New information is being posted to the HCA website regularly at www.OCHealthInfo.com, including some information in Spanish.
This situation is evolving and information is being updated regularly by HCA, CDPH and CDC. Please be assured that I will continue to provide you additional information should circumstances change significantly or if there are any impacts on Orange County. For more information, please click here or feel free to call HCA’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.