Health Advisory #6
THIS IS AN EXERCISE. THIS IS NOT A REAL EVENT
VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Health Advisory #6: Avian Influenza A H5N1
To: Vermont Hospitals, Ambulatory Care Settings, Healthcare Providers and Vermont Department of Health Personnel
From: Susan Schoenfeld, Deputy State Epidemiologist
Date: July 25, 2006
*************** This is an exercise*************
This advisory contains the following important information:
1. On July 24, 2006, it was reported to VDH that four students from the University of Vermont and four students from Southern Vermont College (Bennington) had been exposed to an individual ill with avian influenza A H5N1 while on a camping trip in Canada
- Specimens were collected and transported to the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory for testing for avian influenza A H5N1, and found to be negative.
- None of these students developed symptoms.
- All were quarantined until testing ruled out avian influenza A H5N1.
- Ongoing surveillance throughout the state has not detected any other suspected infections or exposures to known cases at this time.
2. Additional antiviral medication has arrived in Vermont. Persons eligible to receive this limited antiviral medications, as of July 19, 2006 10:30hrs, include:
- Persons involved in control and eradication of animal influenza.
- Treatment of persons hospitalized for confirmed or suspected avian influenza A H5N1, and their close contacts.
- Treatment of exposed health care and emergency services workers, ill with suspected or confirmed H5N1.
- Treatment of high-risk persons in the community with suspected or confirmed H5N1 who have been exposed to a suspected case,
- Prophylaxsis of unprotected healthcare workers with a confirmed exposure to a suspected or confirmed case.
3. 200 doses of avian influenza A H5N1 candidate vaccine has arrived in the state. These first doses of vaccine will be given to selected hospital emergency department staff to protect those on the front lines of diseases exposure. Those eligible will be notified and asked to present to immunization clinics to be held July 26, 2006 at two locations in the state.
REMINDER:
- The Vermont Department of Health requests healthcare facilities perform surveillance for persons with symptoms of influenza with epidemiologic risk factors. Please contact the VDH @ 800-640-4374 to report the following:
- Persons with a recent travel history (less than 10 days) to Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam or Australia, and Tokyo and Bangkok, who have one or more of the following:
- temperature of ≥38°C (≥100.4° F) with cough and/or sore throat;
- pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or other severe respiratory illness.
- Possible influenza-related admissions to hospitals and ILI-related deaths.
- Persons with close contact (within 3 feet) with other confirmed or suspected cases of avian influenza A H5N1.
- Persons (including unprotected health care workers) with close contact (within 3 feet) with an ill person confirmed or suspected to have H5N1, who do not require hospitalization, i.e., persons with mild illness or persons with only a history of exposure to a confirmed or suspected case, can remain at home or in other community-based settings under the following conditions:
- testing for H5N1 by oropharyngeal swab sent to VDHL
- self-imposed quarantine; contact 000-0000 if an individual requires support to maintain quarantine
- monitoring for symptoms of influenza-like illness (i.e., temperature ≥38°C (≥100.4° F), cough, sore throat)
Additional Cases of Influenza A H5N1 in the United States and in Canada Confirmed
CDC has confirmed additional cases of influenza A H5N1 in the United States. These cases include persons traveling from Australia as well as their immediate family members. Additional confirmed cases are reported among persons with recent travel history to Tokyo and Bangkok. All cases are among residents of California.
Canadian Health officials are also confirming additional cases, all among close contacts of the case reported on Monday July 17.
As a reminder, state and local health officials should review the recommendations provided in the Health Alert disseminated Monday July 17, 2006.
For questions about this Health Alert please contact CDC at: 863-7240