Swine Flu Health Advisory 4/29/09

Apr 29, 2009

by: AXA Assistance USA

***HEALTH ADVISORY***

Dear Clients,

As of today, there have been 91 laboratory confirmed cases in the United States; 1 case in Arizona, 14 cases in California, 1 case in Indiana, 2 cases in Kansas, 2 cases in Massachusetts, 2 cases in Michigan, 1 case in Nevada, 51 cases in New York, 1 case in Ohio and 16 cases in Texas1. One death has been reported in Texas, a 23 month old from Mexico who traveled to Houston to seek treatment. In Mexico, authorities have confirmed 49 cases of Swine Flu and suspect the number of cases of people experiencing symptoms has risen to more than 2,400 and it is suspected that the outbreak is the cause of 159 fatalities. The World Health Organization has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 42.

We remind you of the following symptoms which are signs of a viral infection:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches or pain behind the eyes
• Sore throat
• Cough, runny nose
• Trouble breathing

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you have traveled to affected areas or have been in contact with individuals from affected areas, you should immediately report to a doctor and indicate your history of travel or contact with sick individuals.

It is important right now that we all take some basic precautionary measures to protect ourselves and others from illness. The following are some helpful tips:

1. Avoid close contact.
   Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
   If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
   Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Alert to Mexico effective until July 27, 2009 recommending that all nonessential travel to Mexico be avoided at this time. The following links will provide additional information:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_mexico_swine_flu.html

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

AXA Assistance USA

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html

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