May 13, 2009 MEDIA ADVISORY: Change in LDH Communications on H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 13, 2009 -

BATON ROUGE–The Louisiana Department of Health will no longer be sending out daily announcements on new confirmed or probable swine flu cases. However, the Department will continue to update the confirmed case counts on its Web site, http://www.flula.com, daily.

LDH staff and public health experts are remaining watchful and continue to work with health care providers statewide on tracking the virus, especially as it relates to patients at higher risk for complications from the flu. However, there is little need to continue testing people with mild or moderate illness that would normally be managed at home.

Similarly, the Department remains committed to keeping Louisianans informed about developments related to the H1N1 flu, however, there is no need to continue daily news releases on case counts. Also, LDH will no longer report probable cases or negative cases.

LDH may continue to send news releases as needed, for example, as the Department changes guidance for medical and other professionals, or as it receives new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of course, the LDH Bureau of Media and Communications remains open to calls about this event or any other health-related topic. 

Please contact the LDH Director of Communications, René Milligan, with any questions or for additional information.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visithttp://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/.

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