| Frequently
Asked Questions about the H1N1 Virus
I
thought this was an outbreak of “Swine Flu.” Why have
I heard people on the news refer to it as H1N1?
“Swine flu” is not an accurate name for this virus.
The virus we’ve been hearing so much about, the
North American virus, Influenza A or “H1N1,” is
a hybrid of influenza strains from humans, birds
and pigs. This particular hybrid virus is spread
from one human being to another. According to the
World Organization for Animal Health, “the flu virus
spreading around the world should not be called
‘swine flu’ as it contains avian and human components
and no pig was found ill with the disease so far.”
Is
it safe to eat pork products?
Regarding how this H1N1 virus is transmitted, particularly
as it relates to our domestic food supply, it is
very important to note that, according to scientists
at USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the H1N1 viruses are not transmitted
by food. So, for example, you can’t get this influenza
from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly
handled and cooked pork or pork products are safe.
Moreover, cooking pork to an internal temperature
of 160°F kills all viruses and other foodborne
pathogens.
Aside
from the public health risks, is the H1N1 virus creating
any other problems?
An unfortunate consequence of this flu outbreak
has been the impact already felt by our pork producers
in SD and across the county. The price for lean
hogs fell drastically on the Chicago Board of Trade
following the extensive coverage of this outbreak.
In addition, several countries have imposed trade
restrictions on U.S. pork products. The pork industry
already suffered great losses last year due to the
high cost of fuel and feed. Additional losses, due
to this serious – but misnamed - virus, would be
devastating. It is important to stress that the
outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus is in no way a food
safety issue and our U.S. pork supplies remain among
the safest in the world. I have every confidence
that as this moves forward, our food supply will
continue to remain safe.
Going
forward, it’s critically important that we use the
accurate name for the virus to maintain international
trade and consumer confidence in our nation’s swine
industry, including those producers in South Dakota.
Some in the national media have been quick to sensationalize
this story not only by using the inaccurate name,
but also filling viewers’ screens with videos of
pigs, an irresponsible and inaccurate image to say
the least.
What
can I do to stay healthy and keep my loved ones safe?
It’s
vitally important for South Dakotans not to panic.
Given the amount of coverage the outbreak of H1N1
flu has received in the media, it’s not unreasonable
for folks to be concerned about their safety and
the safety of their loved ones.
The
Center for Disease Control is recommending the Americans
take everyday precautions to reduce their risk of
getting sick or spreading the sickness to others.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When
you are sick, keep your distance from others to
protect them from getting sick too. If possible,
stay home from work, school, and errands when you
are sick. You will help prevent others from catching
your illness. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those
around you from getting sick. Washing your hands
often will help protect you from germs. Germs are
often spread when a person touches something that
is contaminated with germs and then touches his
or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Get
plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your
stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious
food. I commend USDA, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, HHS, and our state agriculture and health
departments for their immediate and proactive response
to this disease outbreak.
What
is the Federal Government doing to protect Americans?
On April 26th, the Department of Health and Human
Services declared a Public Health Emergency allowing
the agency to prepare and mobilize its resources
to more effectively address the address the outbreak.
Specifically, the declaration will enable the FDA
to review and issue emergency use authorizations
for the use of certain laboratory tests to help
detect the newly discovered strain of influenza
and for the emergency use of certain antivirals.
I
will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure
that people back home have the information and access
to medicine that they need and that our producers
are not unfairly penalized as a result of this outbreak.
Where
can I learn more?
I encourage people to visit the following websites
to learn more about the H1N1 Virus and actions being
taken to mitigate risk and keep our country healthy.
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