Maize Morse Tri Area Civic Assc.

FRANKLIN COUNTY H1N1 CASES AND PREVENTION

Columbus and Franklin County - Press Release 
TUESDAY, MAY 26 - 1:30 p.m. 

Contact:        Jose Rodriguez, Columbus Public Health, 614-645-6928
                      Mitzi Kline, Franklin County Board of Health, 614-374-1924

 NEW TEST RESULTS CONFIRM TWO MORE FRANKLIN COUNTY H1N1 CASES

Public Health Urges Anyone Who is Sick to Stay Home from School, Work or Large Gatherings

COLUMBUS, OH­ - This morning, two more cases of H1N1 novel influenza  virus have been confirmed in Franklin County. The individuals, two adult females, have been voluntarily isolated and are being treated. Local public health officials are investigating all contacts.   These tests bring the number of confirmed cases in Columbus/Franklin County to nine.    Residents of central Ohio may still reach our information hotline by calling 211 or 221-2255, where trained personnel can provide health and safety information regarding the current H1N1 outbreak.

PREVENTION: Public health officials urge the following prevention recommendations:

• Stay informed
• Cover your cough by using your sleeve or arm. You may also cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home from school or work if you are sick.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

    Get updated on the H1N1 virus in Franklin County by becoming a fan of the joint health department's Facebook page by visiting: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbus-Franklin-County-Public-Health-Partnership/90388613776?ref=nf   H1N1 Information: www.ColumbusPandemicFlu.com and www.CDC.gov/h1n1flu                                                    

Jose R. Rodriguez
Director of Communications
Columbus Public Health
240 Parsons Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-645-6928 Cell - 614-604-5025