April 27, 2009 - The United States declared a public health emergency due to a total of 40 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Texas, Ohio, New York, and Kansas as well as numerous cases in Mexico. So far, there have been no reported cases in New Mexico and there have been no deaths in the U.S.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs. Swine flu does not normally infect humans, however sporadic human infections with swine flu do occasionally occur. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with swine flue also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cibola General Hospital has been involved in pandemic flu planning efforts for several years and has coordinated efforts with the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the State Health Department, and other local agencies to ensure preparedness to respond to a potential outbreak. Through participation in the planning committee the hospital has developed plans, purchased supplies, and participated in disaster drills.

“Cibola General Hospital is taking steps to ensure that we’re prepared to provide optimal, safe care to patients in the event of a pandemic illness,” says Janice Emerson, Infection Control Director at CGH. “We are asking people not to panic, but to pay a little bit more attention to basic hygiene -- washing your hands, don't go to work if you're sick, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing."

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth and use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissues in the trash after you use them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you cough and sneeze. Alcohol hand based cleaners are often effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person, through coughing, sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.