State Monitoring H1N1 Virus, Governor Asks Residents to Use Common Sense Approaches

Press Release

STATE MONITORING H1N1 VIRUS, GOVERNOR ASKS RESIDENTS TO USE COMMON SENSE APPROACHES

Gov. Joe Manchin today urged West Virginians to use common sense approaches, like washing hands for at least 20 seconds, cough and sneeze into their arm or sleeve and avoid touching eyes, mouth or nose, as the H1N1 virus (also known as the swine flu) spreads across the nation.

"When I first took office and still today, safety has always been one of my top priorities, and like every governor, to keep our residents safe and out of harm's way," the governor said. "Over the past few years we have been working on a state and community level to have a plan in place to deal with a scenario like this. We are taking this situation very seriously, and our state experts are monitoring this virus minute-by-minute."

On the state level, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is coordinating with the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety to ensure that we have the latest information to guide West Virginians.

"The situation is constantly changing and while we do not yet have a confirmed case in West Virginia, we should expect that there will be one in the coming days as this virus continues to spread," said Dr. Cathy Slemp, state health officer and the director of the Center for Threat Preparedness for DHHR. "There are key things that we all can do to control its spread. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands properly and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. These simple things can really make a difference."

Manchin said it's important to stay informed by credible sources, including the CDC, state and local public health officials, as well as your doctor. "Think a step ahead, but act based on current advice from health professionals," he said.

Regular media updates on the H1N1 virus will be coming from the state DHHR communications office. More information is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu and www.wvidep.org.

The H1N1 virus is not transmitted by food. A person cannot get this virus from eating pork products.

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