Regarding the measures against Influenza A (H1N1)

1.Regarding the current condition of the flu outbreak

Okinawa Prefecture officially announced the pandemic alert. (August 19)

The announcement was made after the outbreak of influenza reached the pandemic alert level of 30 based on fixed-point influenza report.

It is likely that this virus is Influenza A (H1N1).

2.Information and requests from Okinawa Prefectural Government

•General precautions from reliable sources should be strictly observed.

•Similar to the preventive measures of a seasonal influenza, you can decrease your chances of contracting H1N1 by regular hand-washing and gargling.

•Passengers arriving from areas where outbreaks have occurred, including U.S. and Mexico, are asked to undergo precautionary health observation and follow the guidelines of the Quarantine Station.

3．Updated information concerning Influenza A (H1N1) as of August 19, 2009

•Although clinical trials on H1N1 treatment are underway, no recommendation has been made yet. However, more and more patients are effectively treated with positive results.

•Nonetheless, a number of young and healthy patients with no underlying medical conditions have suffered from serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. The cause and frequency of these cases are unclear.

•In response to these cases, Okinawa Prefecture is committed to ensuring the availability of medical facilities/services in the future and containing the rapid spread of the virus. Okinawa Prefecture is calling on the cooperation and support from the public concerning the following points:

1．People at higher risk of serious complications, including pregnant women, infants, people with underlying medical conditions, such as chronic respiratory illness, diabetes, renal failure, cardiovascular disease, or a weakened immune system, are asked to stay at home unless if there is an emergency.

2．You are asked to avoid visiting places with large crowds and regular hand-washing and gargling should be practiced.

3..If you are a flu patient or if you are in close contact with someone with the flu, you are requested to wear a mask in order to reduce the risk of transmission and potential worsening outbreak.

4. If you are showing symptoms of flu, please wear a mask and visit your family doctor right away.

5. Thorough hand-washing and gargling should be practiced at schools. Students that are in classes with outbreaks of the flu need to start wearing masks. Immediate suspension of club activities is required should any member of the club be diagnosed with the flu .

6. For event organizers, please make sure to announce that those who are not feeling well and/or diagnosed with the flu should refrain from participating in all public events.

Regardless of the results from the screening test, medical facilities/services dealing with individuals showing/suspected with symptoms of the flu should consider early antiviral drug treatment. Depending on the situation, reexamination may be necessary.

4. Influenza A (H1N1) Consultation

• For fever consultation etc., please contact Health & Welfare Centers within the prefecture

(However, please be aware that consultation sevices are available in Japanese only)

Hokubu Public Health Center TEL: 0980-52-5219

Chūbu Public Health Center TEL: 098-938-9701

Chūō Public Health Center TEL: 098-854-1005

Nanbu Public Health Center TEL: 098-889-6591

Miyako Public Health Center TEL: 0980-73-5074

Yaeyama Public Health Center TEL: 0980-82-3240

5. Medical Reference Information

Okinawa Medical Information For Foreigners (Okinawa Medical Info)