The following is the latest information, as of June 2009, on how the H1N1 "Swine" Flu Virus is affecting Cambridge. For further information on H1N1 efforts throughout the Commonwealth, please visit http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu.
Cambridge & Massachusetts Residents Infected with H1N1 Flu
- On 5/4, the CPHD School Health Program surveyed all Cambridge elementary and secondary schools (public and independent) and reported no increase in student absenteeism compared to a typical Monday.
- Given that the H1N1 virus has already spread widely in the community and that illnesses have been mild, MDPH is now discouraging school closures. Revised MDPH recommendations (as of 5/3) state that students or staff with flu symptoms stay home until they have fully recovered.
- Ongoing: The School Health Program is continuing to provide updates and guidance to school administrators and nurses at all Cambridge schools, after-school programs, and day care centers.
- Ongoing: Dissemination of fact sheets and prevention flyers at community-wide events (e.g. Area IV Health Fair, Fresh Pond Day, etc.)
- On 5/4, the Senior Director of Public Health Nursing responded to a query from The Tech, the MIT student newspaper.
- Data Reporting: On 5/4, the CDC announced it would be begin reporting the total number of "probable" cases of H1N1 infection nationwide, in addition to confirmed cases. The rationale for this decision is that 95% to 99% of "probable" cases have been testing positive for the virus.
- Confirmatory Testing: On 5/4, the MA State Lab received approval from the CDC to perform confirmatory testing on samples taken from residents who may be infected with the H1N1 virus. In-state testing will allow Massachusetts cases to be identified more quickly.
- MDPH recommended on 5/4 that providers only test and treat people with severe illness who require hospitalization or who have a condition that puts them at high risk of complications from the flu.
- CHA received Tamiflu and personal protective equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) on 5/4.
- Ongoing: CHA medical and administrative leaders are continuing to participate in MDPH conference calls and situation updates; CHA leadership is continuing to hold regular briefings with senior staff.
- Upcoming: CPHD will conduct a conference call with the Hospital Operations Group of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) on during the week of May 4 and thereafter as needed.
- On 5/4, MDPH began distributing medication and personal protective equipment (e.g., masks) from the Strategic National Stockpile to the state's acute care hospitals. Community health centers, EMS, fire depts., colleges and universities, and large ambulatory care group practices will receive also SNS supplies.
- On 5/4, CPHD staff began surveying local pharmacies to assess availability of antiviral medications.
- On 5/4, the Cambridge City Manager held a briefing meeting with department heads for the latest updates from CPHD staff.
- CPHD leadership is continuing to participate in conference calls with regional, state, and national partners, and receive daily updates from MDPH via the Health and Homeland Alert Network (HHAN).
- The Regional Manager of Emergency Preparedness Region 4b is continuing to email briefings to public health staff in the region's 27 communities.
