Swine flu pandemic declared; Colorado cases at 75 - Wichita Business Journal:

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WHO raised its pandemic warning level for H1N1 fluto six, the highesg level. RESOURCES: See links and information at the end of this The declaration means infections are spreading aroundc the world but is not an indicatioj of how serious thesymptoms are. Many health experts say swine flu is generally no more or less dangeroua that the usualseasonal flu. The Geneva-based agench said 27,737 cases of H1N1 flu has been confirmed in 74 causing at least141 deaths. "A this early stage, the pandemic can be characterizeed globally as being moderate in a WHOstatement said. It did not call for internationao travel or trade restrictions orborder closures.
In Colorado, no deathas from H1N1 flu have been In theUnited States, the latesrt tally from the federal is 13,217 confirmedc cases nationwide and 27 The only other nations with more than 1,000 confirmed cases are Mexico, with 5717; Canada, with Chile, with 1,694; and Australia, with 1,224, WHO The last declared pandemic was the Hong Kong flu outbreak of which killed about 1 million people worldwide, the Associateds Press reported. The CDC and other health authorities say that thosewwith flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with others, stay home from and seek treatment only if seriously ill.
"It is expected that most peoplwe will recover without needingmedical care," the CDC • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissure when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash aftere youuse it. • Wash your hands often with soap and especially after you coughor sneeze. Alcohol-basede hand cleaners are also • Try to avoid closre contact withsick people. In May, the Denver-based "Upgrades hygiene protocols for both office environments and employees includingg maintenanceof air-conditioning systems and sanitation of common areaas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and elevators. "Advise employed to stay home if theyfeel ill.
And to contac their personal physicians if theyhave flu-like "Review leave policies related to illness. Will pay provisione be relaxed to encouragde employees to stay at home if they arepotentialluy contagious? Assure that your policies do not discouragee workers from staying home if they are. "Check and follosw health advisories prior to sending employees on businessa travel to affected areas or temporarily suspend travel tothosde areas." In the event of a more serious turn in the flu the MSEC advises thes e actions: "Identify core activities essential for businesa continuity and the skills necessary to stay operational. Cross-trainingv of employees may be required.
"Explore how work would continuwe if half your workforce is notat work. Absenteeism ratea between 20 percent-60 percent could be expecter during the height ofthe pandemic. "Provide equipmenrt and support for employees to telecommute if theidrjobs permit. 'Social distancing' is a key tactid to limit the spread ofthe virus. "Encourage flex hours to avoixd overcrowdingthe workplace. "Review corporate-wide insurancew policies, specifically health, disability, salary continuance, businesd travel and life insurance relateed tothe pandemic. Communicat e policy provisionsto employees.
" Additional informatiom is available from swine-flu websites established by the , the and the . The Coloradp Department of Public Healthand Environment' s information line for the swine flu is