Dear Neighbor,

As Chair of the King County Board of Health, it is important that I keep you apprised of pressing health issues in our region.  You have likely read in the newspapers or seen on TV that swine flu has been confirmed abroad and now in the United States.  Given the heightened public concern about the illness, I want to pass along the latest information from Public Health - Seattle & King County and let you know the best ways of preparing should there be a pandemic.

I want to stress that at this time there are no reported cases of swine flu in King County or the state of Washington. As of today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported nearly 100 confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) infection in California, Texas, New York, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine, Illinois, Ohio and Kansas.

In addition, the World Health Organization raised the level of alert to a 5 (out of a 6 phase scale), which means that at least two countries have spread the virus by human to human contact.  Officials also indicated that a phase 6 is probably imminent, given reports that nine countries had confirmed cases of the swine flu.

Currently, our Public Health department is working closely with national, state and local governments and health care partners on a coordinated response to increased swine flu activity in the United States.  Public Health is increasing surveillance and monitoring efforts for swine influenza illness and planning for increased capacity in the medical care system. 

Swine flu activity outside of our region is a great reminder for all of us to get prepared at home and work and to stay informed. I encourage you to visit Public Health's new swine flu Web site at  www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu. This page includes:

• On-going and updated swine flu information;

• Information on what King County and its Public Health department are doing;

• Q & A on swine flu, including information in English and Spanish;

• Information on how to prepare at home and work;

• Information for travelers; and

• Information for health care providers.

King County has been preparing for the event of a global pandemic for the past four years in our role as an employer, a regional provider of services and a public health authority. We will do everything we can to ensure that each of you and your family is fully informed and protected to the greatest extent possible.

Please contact my office or Public Health for more information about swine flu.

Sincerely,

Julia Patterson
King County Councilmember - District 5

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