Health Department - Pandemic Influenza

On April 24, 2009, the Racine County health departments were notified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) that cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infections were identified in two US states; the same novel virus reported in Mexico. In the weeks that followed, several countries and all US states had reported cases of this novel virus. H1N1 is a contagious disease that is transmitted by respiratory droplets with potential airborne spread. The disease can result in severe complications, including pneumonia. The incubation period for H1N1 ranges from 1 to 7 days. Diagnosis should be considered in any person with a temperature = 100.4ºF and a cough or sore throat. As of June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization has declared H1N1 as a pandemic.

For further information on H1N1 or pandemics please visit:

• WI Department of Health Services
  ( http://www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov/)
• H1N1 Website from the CDC
  ( http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu)
• Pandemic Planning Website from the CDC
  (  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/)
• Preparedness Website from the Red Cross
  (  http://www.redcross.org)
• Preparedness Website from the Department of Homeland Security
  (  http://www.ready.gov)