CGA Alert is a publication of the California Grocers Association
April 24, 2009

Swine Flu Update

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that the new influenza strain that is causing illness in California and Texas and illness and death in Mexico appears to have sustained human-to-human transmission. CGA is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. If you have questions, email Jill Rulon, CGA, or call (916) 448-3545; or (916) 825-2964 (after hours).

CURRENT SITUATION
  • There have been eight confirmed (six in California, two in Texas) and eight suspected cases of a new swine H1N1 virus in the U.S. The ages range from seven years old to 54 years old. There is no exposure to pigs or birds leading to the suspicion of sustained human-to-human transmission.
  • The CDC is reporting 62 confirmed deaths in Mexico and approximately 900 cases of influenza-like illness, some severe, nationwide. Only 18 are lab confirmed at this time. Most are healthy young adults and have occurred in central Mexico. Schools and businesses in Mexico City are closing or have been closed.
  • The CDC is reporting that the viruses in Mexico and the U.S. appear to be the same virus strain. Twelve cases have been confirmed to be genetically identical.
  • The swine H1N1 IS SUSCEPTIBLE to Tamiflu and Relenza, but resistant to the Adamantane class of drugs.
  • The CDC is putting out interim guidance on its website.
ADVICE
  • Review your pandemic plans immediately. Pay special attention to employee protection strategies, supply chain issues and employee family preparedness.
  • Keep a close watch on the CDC website and media outlets for the latest information.
  • Closely watch for any travel advisories for employees traveling to Mexico. If you have employees living or working in areas that border Mexico, watch for advisories from your local health department.
  • It is important to remind your senior leadership that this situation is evolving and may resolve or escalate over the next few days to weeks.
SWINE FLU AND PORK PRODUCTS

 The CDC has stated that Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

ANALYSIS

This situation is highly fluid as details from Mexico are emerging. This new swine flu virus is made up of components of pig, bird and human influenza viruses that are combined in a way unseen before. The fact that it seems to have sustained human-to-human spread is a concern. This is a situation that should be watched closely.

Part of the difficulty in tracking this situation is that some routine seasonal influenza tests used by physicians do not pick this new virus up so there may be many more cases in the U.S.

LINKS