The network which provides security information to Jewish community institutions is distributing information on the swine flu outbreak.. The Secure Community Network (SCN), through its partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sent out a memo Monday making all of its member organizations aware of the public health emergency declared over the weekend, noting that "a public health emergency should not be cause for alarm or panic but rather heightened awareness." The memos also contain CDC information and resources, which can be found here.
TO: SCN Member Organizations
FROM: Secure Community Network
DATE: April 27, 2009
RE: SCN Memo: U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency in Wake of Swine Flu OutbreakOverview
The U.S. has declared a Public Health Emergency in the wake of an outbreak of swine flu that appears to have originated in Mexico and spread to several states in the U.S. and Canada. Secure Community Network, through its partnership with Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing all organizations with important health advisory information and resources from the CDC.
According to the World Health Organization, a public health emergency is an occurrence or imminent threat of illness or health conditions caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, or highly fatal infectious agents or toxins that pose serious risk to a significant number of people. Federal officials report the emergency declaration is standard procedure for health emergencies, floods, and other natural disasters. A public health emergency should not be cause for alarm or panic but rather heightened awareness.
SCN works closely with many government agencies and is often relied upon to distribute important, timely safety, security and health information to Jewish community organizations nationwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided SCN with important health informational materials and resources to disseminate to our member organizations. We strongly advise that all organizations review the attached materials and distribute them to staff and personnel.
Swine Flu
Swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions. When the flu spreads person-to-person, instead of from animals to humans, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off because people have no natural immunity.
The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Important Health Information
These materials can also be found on the SCN website at www.scnus.org. For more information and additional resources, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu
