CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Info Service Message: Interim CDC Guidance Documents on H1N1 Flu and Cardiovascular Disease, Use of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests, and Protection of Cruise Ship Passengers and Crew

Distributed via Health Alert Network
May 3, 2009, 22:00 EST (10:00 PM EDT)
HANINFO-00287-09-05-03-N

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues its response to the H1N1 Flu outbreak. As of May 3, 226 human infections with novel H1N1 flu have been confirmed in 30 states in the United States. Yesterday, CDC reported 160 cases in 21 states. This jump in case numbers is more than likely due to catch up confirmation of lab results. As testing continues in many other states, more cases and more states are expected to be added.

CDC’s goals continue to be to reduce transmission and illness severity and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public. To this end, CDC continues to update or create interim guidance documents.

As of May 3, additional resources for the public health workforce and clinicians were posted to the CDC web site to assist in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus.

H1N1 Flu and Patients With Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease and Stroke): Interim Guidance and Considerations for Health Care Providers and for State and Local Public Health Agencies

Patients with chronic cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) are at increased risk of experiencing an acute exacerbation of disease during influenza epidemics. This guidance will includes recommendations for treatment of persons with cardiovascular disease.

Use of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests for Patients with Influenza-like Illness during the Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu) Outbreak

Clinicians may consider using rapid diagnostic tests as part of their evaluation of patients with signs and symptoms compatible with influenza, but results should be interpreted with caution. This guidance provides the advantages and limitations of using this test.

Interim Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Guidance for Cruise Ships

Interim guidance provided for crew members and passengers of cruise ships originating from or stopping in ports in areas affected by the new H1N1 influenza virus outbreak. This document will be updated as needed

Additional documents for health care providers, public health officials and the public are available. Information for the public is posted daily in both English and Spanish. Also, CDC’s toll-free hotline, 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, is available 24 hours a day, every day.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Public Information Officers, Laboratory Directors, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinators, Epidemiologists and HAN Coordinators as well as Association and Clinician organizations

The HAN Info Service is utilized by the CDC's Health Alert Network to distribute general correspondence from CDC which is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature.