H1N1 Flu Outbreak health advisory Published April 27, 2009 By Master Sgt. Joseph Siddall 460th Medical Operations Squadron BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A new influenza strain has been identified that is a combination of swine and human viruses. Mexico has reported an outbreak of influenza-like illness among several hundred people in their capital city. Seven out of 14 specimens from Mexico have tested positive for H1N1 Influenza Virus. As of April 26 twenty human cases have been confirmed in the United States. Infected persons have reported signs and symptoms similar to the seasonal flu consisting of high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulties. To stay healthy, wash hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid close contact with people who are coughing and sneezing; stay home if you are sick; and avoid close proximity to pigs on farms or livestock exhibits. You can not get H1N1 Flu from eating pork or pork products. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough and sore throat or have trouble breathing, seek medical care right away. Tell the doctor if you have had contact with a sick person or farm animals while traveling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not issued any travel restrictions. Citizens are asked to monitor the media for the latest updates and practice universal precautions to stay healthy. The Buckley Public Health Office is closely monitoring the situation through active surveillance with Department of Defense, local and state health departments. Additional information can be found at www.cdphe.state.co.us, www.cdc.gov and www.who.int/en.