Pasadena Health Officials Monitor Swine Flu Situation

[Developing story] Pasadena Public Health Department Director Dr. Takashi M. Wada said Monday his department is very closely monitoring the outbreak of swine flu in the United States and that there are no confirmed cases reported in Los Angeles County.

“We have been actively preparing for potential pandemic influenza for several years, so we do have a response planned which we are implementing,” Dr. Wada said.

Dr. Wada said that at this stage, the Health Dept. is primarily enhancing surveillance and communication with community health partners to detect potential cases.

Both Dr. Wada and Pasadena Unified School District spokesperson Binti Harvey, who also spoke Monday morning,  indicated that the Health Dept. has provided guidance on what school officials should be looking out for.

Harvey said PUSD health officer Ann Rector is visiting school campuses throughout Monday.

Dr. Wada also said that his department will be in touch shortly with private schools, PCC, Caltech and other schools in the area to alert officials as to what actions should be taken at this time.

The department will also be sending notices to child care and day care facilities.

Dr. Wada indicated that a hotline number and a website with additional information about swine flu should be operational later Monday.

“Primarily we want everyone to follow good hygiene practices for now,” Dr. Wada said, “in terms of washing hands, staying home if sick, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth if they are sick, covering their cough. We need people to be very vigilant.”

A hotline telephone number and informational website will be operational soon, Dr. Wada said.