CGA Alert is a publication of the California Grocers Association

May 1, 2009

H1N1 INFLUENZA UPDATE

CURRENT SITUATION

Cases continue to rise however for the most part the virus seems to be causing relatively mild illness. Obviously this is a new virus so it is hard to predict what may happen in the near or long-term future. Although available information is not comprehensive, the estimated mortality rate is relatively low at 5%. For comparison purposes, in 2003 SARS spread through 37 countries with a mortality rate of approximately 75%.

FDA/FTC WARNING OF FRAUDULENT H1N1 INFLUENZA PRODUCTS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The agencies are also advising operators of offending web sites that they must take prompt action to correct and/or remove promotions of these fraudulent products or face enforcement action. Consumers are urged to contact their health care providers or legitimate medical supply services if they have questions or concerns about medical products or personal protective equipment. Click here for the full press release.

NEW SCHOOL/CHILDCARE CLOSURE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CDC

The CDC has posted new Guidance for School Closures. For complete information click here.

Highlights include:

School closure recommendation if one student in a school has laboratory confirmed case of swine flu
Closure of an entire school district if more than one school or daycare center has confirmed cases
Closure of neighboring school districts even without a confirmed case
School-related gatherings should also be cancelled if school is dismissed
Minimum closure recommendation of 14 days (children tend to remain infectious for up to 10 days after becoming ill)

OFFICIAL CALIFORNIA SCHOOL CLOSURES/DISMISSALS

Saint Mels School, Community of Fair Oaks
Mountain View School, Community of Visalia
Highlands Elementary School, City of Pittsburgh
Branham High School, City of San Jose
Strawberry Park, City of San Jose
Challenger School, City of San Jose
Delphi Academy, City of Santa Clara
Elan Esprit, City of Santa Clara
Rucker Elementary, City of Gilroy
Bahia Elementary School, City of San Rafael
Indio High School, City of Indio
Mission Bell Elementary, City of Riverside
Lee V. Pollard Continuation School, City of Corona
Cole Elementary School, City of Highland

CASE DEFINITIONS/INCUBATION/INFECTIOUS PERIOD

Following are case definitions/incubation/infectious period guidance according to the CDC.

A suspected case is defined as a person with acute febrile respiratory illness (flu symptoms) who was in close contact with a confirmed case or returned from an infected area within 7 days, or resides in a community where there is a confirmed case.

A probable case is a suspected case with a positive flu test for influenza A.

A confirmed case is a person who tested positive for influenza A(H1N1) by the CDC.

Close contact is defined as being within about 6 feet of an ill person who has a confirmed or suspected case of influenza A (H1N1) virus infection during the case's infectious period.

Acute respiratory illness is defined as recent onset of at least two of the following: rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, sore throat, cough (with or without fever or feverishness).

Infectious period for a confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) virus infection is defined as 1 day prior to the case's illness onset to 7 days after onset. Authoraties are now saying that children may be infectious for up to 10 days after the onset.

The incubation period is estimated to be between 2 and 7 days.

U.S. PORK IMPORTS

H1N1 flu cannot be transmitted through the consumption of pork products; however, Russia and China, amongst other countries, have both placed restrictions on imports of U.S. pork. The top five importers of U.S. pork products include Japan (28 percent), Mexico (14 percent), Hong Kong (11 percent), Russia (9 percent), and Canada (9 percent). 9 Total U.S. pork exports in 2008 amounted to USD 4.9 billion. In 2008, Japan, Mexico and Canada accounted for approximately two-thirds of all U.S. pork exports. Japan, Mexico and Canada have not currently banned U.S. pork imports; however, a reduction in demand could occur due to consumer concerns over product safety.

CALIFORNIA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ACTIVATIONS

State Operations Center (0700-1900)
Department of Corrections (DOC)
Joint Emergency Operation Center staffed by representatives from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) & the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Inland Region Emergency Operations Center (0800-1700)
Coastal Region Emergency Operations Center (0700-1900)
Southern Region Emergency Operations Center (0800-1700)

CGA CONTACT INFORMATION

The California Grocers Association is monitoring the current swine flu situation and will continue to provide daily updates. For further information, please visit www.cagrocers.com. If you have questions, email Jill Rulon, CGA, or call (916) 448-3545.