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Northeast Texas Public Health District closely monitoring
East Texas to protect citizens from Swine Influenza

Tyler (TX) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health officials are investigating swine influenza cases in people in several U.S. states, including Texas. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with swine influenza viruses.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) is conducting ongoing disease surveillance in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services.  “All Health Officials, Hospitals, and Physicians, along with the City and County are working closely to monitor the situation and keep East Texas healthy”, says George Roberts, CEO of the Northeast Texas Public Health District.   Smith County Health Authority, Dr. Jonathan MacClements encourages citizens in East Texas to follow the sanitation guidelines, presented by the CDC.  “Washing your hands and covering your cough are simple steps that we can take to minimize the spread of any virus”, says Dr. MacClements.

All local physicians that have any questions or concerns may contact the NETPHD Public Health Preparedness Department at 903-595-1350.   

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Thank you for working to educate and build the resiliency we need to combat this type of illness!

www.cdc.gov   /   www.dshs.state.tx.us   /   www.healthyeasttx.org