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To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	William Walker, M.D., Health Services Director
Date:	April 28, 2009

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Swine Flu Preparation in Contra Costa County

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 04/28/2009

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

Contact:

William Walker, M.D., 957-5404

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: April 28, 2009
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

CONSIDER accepting report from William Walker, M.D., Health Services Director, on Contra Costa County's preparations for Swine Flu and other pandemic influenza.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None - informational only.

BACKGROUND:

The Health Services Department has participated in conference calls for the past several days with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the thirteen greater Bay Area Health Officers (Association of Bay Area Health Officials- ABAHO. Dr. Walker and other health officials have been interviewed by local media.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

There are now many confirmed cases of swine flu in California, New York City, Kansas, Texas, Ohio and elsewhere. Most have had some documented exposure to travel in Mexico or contact with someone who has. So far there are NO confirmed cases in the greater Bay Area counties. All Bay Area counties including Contra Costa have stepped up surveillance systems with Health Centers, other primary care providers, local hospitals, emergency departments and private physician offices. It is fully expected that there will be more reported cases in the coming week. There have been more than 100 deaths reported in Mexico. So far there are no related deaths in the US - most illnesses in the U.S. have been mild. Statewide monitoring is in place and will continue for evidence of more severe illness.

The County Health Services Department and other medical facilities are using the protocols and State/Regional communication plans that have been developed over the past four years in anticipation of a possible Pandemic Flu outbreak. There was a White House/Centers for Disease Control press conference Sunday, which declared a National Public Health Emergency. This grants extra powers to Federal Health Authorities and makes available to us the stockpiles of antiviral medications (Tamiflu and Relenza) that are stored at the Federal and State level. There is no vaccine for this virus but these medications can be effective in treating the illness.

Health Services is working with many partners to provide information and direction, including the County Office of Emergency Services, hospitals, community clinics, private providers, schools and others. Information is available on Health Services website cchealth.org , on the Health Emergency Information Line 888-959-9911, through 211 and from the Contra Costa Health Plan’s Advice Nurses at 877-661-6230 option 1.