The Wayland Board of Health staff is sharing the following information regarding the Swine Flu outbreak that has been provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).

Although there have been only two confirmed cases of Swine Flu within Massachusetts to date, please know this situation is being taken seriously and is closely monitored at the federal, state, and local level. The staff of the Wayland Board of Health has been in ongoing communications with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Our MDPH Commissioner John Auerbach, under the leadership of Governor Patrick and Secretary Bigby, have prioritized efforts to better prepare for public health concerns, mobilizing multiple agencies in health and public safety to join forces and plan for scenarios similar to this one.  Currently several efforts are being undertaken to ensure that we minimize illness and harm to the public.

While this is a serious matter and one that requires all Massachusetts residents to be aware and prepared, there is no reason to be overly alarmed.   We are still early in the public health investigation of this outbreak, but we are encouraged by the fact that the confirmed US cases have involved relatively mild illness and all those affected have fully recovered. 

There are steps that everyone can take to help prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza:

1.  Become aware of the facts.  We encourage everyone to visit the CDC’s new web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.  We also have some very good information on how to care for someone at home who has the flu on the DPH web site. And DPH has its own regularly updated blog at www.mass.gov/blog/publichealth.

2.  Practice good health hygiene.  Disease transmission can be significantly reduced by taking the following actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Please click on the website: www.mass.gov/dph website for the Swine Flu Public Health Fact Sheet and additional information that may be helpful for you and your family.

If you should still have additional questions and concerns regarding this issue please contact the Wayland Board of Health at 508-358-3617.