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State of Louisiana |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
BATON ROUGE – Today, state officials announced that the Department of Health is investigating another possible case of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus in Ascension Parish, bringing the total number of possible cases in Louisiana to nine. These are only possible cases, meaning they could not be identified by the Office of Public Health laboratory in New Orleans and have been sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lab in Atlanta for confirmation. There are still no confirmed cases of the virus in Louisiana, at this time.
Samples of all nine suspected cases tested positive for type A Influenza, which indicates either seasonal or swine flu. The swine flu (H1N1) virus subtype is confirmed by CDC lab tests. Five suspected cases are from Lafayette Parish, one is from Ascension, one from Orleans, one from St. Martin and one from St. Tammany.
There are still no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in Louisiana, although there are now 338 sample cases being tested by DHH.
Additionally, state officials continue to monitor the situation regarding possible H1N1 cases in Louisiana and are taking important precautions in order to prevent the further spread of illness.
Below is an update on actions being taken by various state agencies.
SCHOOL UPDATE
Louisiana Department of Education officials and local superintendents participated in a conference call earlier this morning regarding precautions that should be taken to prevent the possible spread of illness.
Louisiana Department of Education officials and local superintendents participated in a conference call earlier this morning regarding precautions that should be taken to prevent the possible spread of illness.
Colleges and universities, as well as the LCTCS, are monitoring the situation on their campuses, and have no plans at this time to alter class schedules.
LDH ACTION
The state has activated its Strategic National Stockpile, and is beginning to preposition federal antiviral resources throughout Louisiana.
The state has activated its Strategic National Stockpile, and is beginning to preposition federal antiviral resources throughout Louisiana.
DSS ACTION
DSS sent an email and/or letter to all 1,850 licensed day care centers and 1,479 child care providers registered with DSS explaining the steps they should take if children in their care show possible signs of the H1N1 flu virus. The agency is also working with the Department of Education in delivering the same message to the 6,731 child care providers registered with the department.
DSS sent an email and/or letter to all 1,850 licensed day care centers and 1,479 child care providers registered with DSS explaining the steps they should take if children in their care show possible signs of the H1N1 flu virus. The agency is also working with the Department of Education in delivering the same message to the 6,731 child care providers registered with the department.
Currently, the Office of Juvenile Justice and the Office of Community Services in DSS are working together to address precautions with child residential facilities. DSS is also reaching out to the LA Supreme Court and the Juvenile and Family Court Judges Association to develop the best approach to address court appointments, medical appointments and other essential services for the youth in the state’s custody.
STATE POLICE ACTION
Louisiana State Police (LSP) has been tasked with expediting the transport of laboratory samples collected from medical facilities to the LDH laboratory in New Orleans.
Louisiana State Police (LSP) has been tasked with expediting the transport of laboratory samples collected from medical facilities to the LDH laboratory in New Orleans.
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