Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley Declares Public Health Emergency

New H1N1 policy sets school closing procedures; Three additional schools to close, joining Rockville High School

Baltimore, MD (May 1, 2009) – Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has signed an executive order declaring a public health emergency for Maryland in an abundance of caution to prepare for swine flu in Maryland. The Governor also announced a new statewide public and private school policy based on advice and guidance of the CDC.

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Based on new guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and discussions with governors on a conference call today, the state will close any public or private school and cease all extracurricular activities for up to 14 days in the event a student is deemed "probable" for the H1N1 influenza virus.

“I have declared this public health emergency with new guidance from our federal partners and based on an abundance of caution and concern for our students in Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “If there is a probable case of H1N1 virus at any school, we will close that school and cease all extra-curricular activities for up to 14 days.”

The policy immediately affects current four schools in four separate jurisdictions:

* Rockville High School in Montgomery County
* Milford Mill Academy in Baltimore County
* Folger McKinsey Elementary School in Anne Arundel County
* Montpelier Elementary School in Prince George’s County

Governor O'Malley and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) also announced today that two additional "probable" swine flu cases have been identified in Maryland. The samples were tested at the DHMH State Public Health Laboratories and have been sent to the CDC for further testing.

The two additional probables include a Prince Georges County elementary school student and a Charles County adult with no children or connections to any school. The total for H1N1 probables has now risen to 11: Anne Arundel County (three), Baltimore County (four), Charles County (one), Montgomery County (two), and Prince Georges County (one).

"As we announced earlier this week, this rise in probable cases of swine flu in Maryland is not unexpected," said Governor O'Malley. "Under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and medical advisors, we will continue to monitor and respond to the situation as it develops."

The definition of a "probable" swine flu case is an individual with flu-like symptoms who has a recent history of travel to an area affected by swine flu or contact with another person who has. That person also tests positive for influenza type A, but cannot be sub-typed further to any existing seasonal flu.

All patients recently diagnosed with H1N1 are recovering from their illness and none have been hospitalized. Due to confidentiality considerations, no further information about the patients will be released.

“Simple prevention steps can help reduce the possibility of spreading any kind of influenza-like virus,” said DHMH Deputy Secretary Frances Phillips. “Cover the mouth or nose when either sneezing or coughing and wash your hands after touching possible contaminated surfaces and especially after shaking hands, just like your mother told you.”

As with any other seasonal flu, Marylanders are being advised to exercise precautionary measures to avoid becoming ill or spreading an illness to others. A new toll-free H1N1 information line has been activated to answer questions residents may have about the outbreak; that number is 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848). The service will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. DHMH will accept flu questions by email at swineflu@dhmh.state.md.us .

For physicians with questions and concerns, email DHMH at swinefludrs@dhmh.state.md.us . DHMH staff is monitoring the web site and providing responses as quickly as possible.

For more information on H1N1, Marylanders can go to: www.maryland.gov

Source: Maryland Governor