As of Sunday, April 26, the United States has declared a public health emergency due to a outbreak of H1N1 (commonly known as Swine flu), and suspect or confirmed cases are being reported from many parts of the world, including San Diego. This H1N1 or swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness.
Follow these flu prevention tips during travel:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Do not go to work, school, or travel if you get sick with flu. It is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Seek medical attention if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of swine flu that a doctor can prescribe.
What the Metropolitan Transit System is doing:
- We will be in contact with FTA for updated advisories for transit agencies regarding this issue.
- Emergency Preparedness will be reviewing our emergency plans for epidemic/pandemic scenarios.
- MTS and Veolia (MTS's Contract Services) purchased hand sanitizer wipes for Bus and Trolley operators and to other
employees who come into contact with our equipment in the field.
- MTS sanitizes all Buses and Trolleys every day.
- Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency and issued a proclamation to support health depeartments in the outbreak.
Additional Information:
Traveler's Health Alert Notice: Swine Flu
Cal-OSHA Flash Reports
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), TTY (888) 232-6348; cdcinfo@cdc.gov
CDC on Twitter
CDC Travel Health Precautions
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
World Health Organization (WHO)
News:
Union Tribune: 'Period of Stabilization Lessons Swine Flu Frenzy,' May 1
Union Tribune: Swine Flu blog
LA Times: Scientists see this flu strain as relatively mild, April 30
Today Show: Dr. Nancy Snyderman speaks about public transit, April 30
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