Navajo Area IHS monitoring swine flu

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Area Indian Health Service announced Wednesday that it is closely monitoring the swine influenza cases that have spread into the United States, including one confirmed case in Arizona.

Genevieve Notah, spokeswoman for Navajo Area IHS, said that Navajo Area IHS is reviewing and implementing emergency response measures for the Navajo area in response to the federal government’s declaration of a public health emergency in the United States on Sunday.

The area office activated its incident command team on Tuesday to coordinate response to the emerging health threat, she said.

Service units are preparing for the emergency response and a major communications network has been established, according to the Navajo Area IHS.

The Navajo area office has been meeting with the Navajo Nation to plan and coordinate emergency response efforts, Notah said. She added that discussions are occurring with the state and counties about possible distribution of antiviral drugs if there are any cases in the local area.

Health care providers, pharmacists and other personnel will be given the most up-to-date information available on the swine flu activities, according to Navajo Area IHS.

The swine influenza A virus is contagious and spread from human to human, mostly through coughing, sneezing, or touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes, according to Navajo Area IHS.

There is no vaccine for swine flu at this time.

Infected people may be able to infect others a day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick, the Navajo Area IHS stated. It can be passed before and during illness.

Symptoms of swine flu include fever over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills and extreme fatigue. Some have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Most people who get swine flu recover within one to two weeks and so far, all but one case in the United States have recovered, the Navajo Area IHS stated.