Date: May 2, 2009
General questions: Gene Evans, 503-269-7950
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Cases: As of late Saturday, Oregon had identified 11 probable cases of
H1N1 influenza virus with additional specimens being tested at the Oregon State
Public Health Laboratory in Hillsboro. State public health officials expect to know
in the next few days whether any of the cases are confirmed as H1N1.

The county breakdown of the eleven probable cases is listed below:
• Lane (2)
• Marion (1)
• Multnomah (2)
• Polk (2)
• Umatilla (1)
• Wallowa (1)
• Washington (2)

“None of these 11 individuals has been hospitalized,” Mel Kohn, M.D., state
public health officer in the Oregon Department of Human Services, said today.
“However, the fact that this is a new strain of flu means we still need to be
concerned and be preparing for what may come.”

Antivirals: Oregon has received its first shipment of antiviral medications and
respiratory protection equipment from the Centers for Disease Control’s Division
of the Strategic National Stockpile to treat and protect citizens during the H1N1
flu outbreak.

Oregon, like other states, is receiving a quarter of the stockpile that the federal
government is holding for each state -- we are scheduled to receive 90,850
courses of Tamiflu® and 25,503 courses of Relenza® (zanamivir). These antiviral
medications are part of the shipment, as well as respiratory protective devices
such N-95 face masks and personal protection equipment like gloves and gowns.

“Oregonians can take comfort in knowing a portion of our federal stockpile is
here, and that we will carefully and prudently distribute these resources when
appropriate,” Kohn said.

Supplies from the stockpile are not meant for general public consumption.
Guidance on the use of the medication and equipment will be provided by the
CDC and state Public Health Division.

“A good rule of thumb for Oregonians is to follow their normal habits for seeking
medical advice when experiencing flu-like symptoms. If you are uncertain about
whether or not you need medical attention, call your health care provider and
make a determination together,” Kohn said.

State health officials continue to discourage Oregonians from stocking up on
antivirals for which they have no immediate use.

• Protections against the flu: Dr. Kohn continues to stress that the best
protections against the H1N1 influenza virus are to wash your hands
frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or a sleeve (never your
hand), and stay home if you are ill.

• Pork not a disease source: People cannot catch H1N1 influenza virus,
also known as swine flu, from eating pork.

Updated information can be found on the www.flu.oregon.gov website.