Public Health Alerts

A-H1N1 Flu

Human cases of swine influenza A (A-H1N1) virus infection have been identified in South Dakota, the United States and internationally.

Click here for an overview and current updates from the CDC.
Click here for the CDC's interim guidance on appropriate specimen collection, storage and processing for patients with suspected swine flu infection.
Click here for the CDC's travel advisory regarding non-essential travel to Mexico.

The SD Department of Health is working on advanced surveillance for flu cases and is in contact with the CDC to monitor the national swine flu situation.

In South Dakota, all suspect flu specimens should be collected as a normal seasonal flu specimen, samples being either nasopharyngeal aspirates or swabs, and preferably sent in viral transport M4 media.

Throat specimens may be collected, but nasopharyngeal specimens are the preferred specimen. Requests for viral transport media should be made to 605.773.3183.

All respiratory specimens collected with a quick test result of either "negative" or "'Influenza A" should be forwarded on to the SD Public Health Laboratory. For further questions, please contact the laboratory at 605.773.3368.

AMA Web site Provides Info on A-H1N1 Flu

The AMA Web site includes up-to-date clinical guidelines, resources and news to help physicians and the public disseminate the most recent information about swine flu infections. These guidelines, developed by the CDC, include the use of masks, respirators and antiviral medications; infection control; and case identification.

NEW: Click here for information on H1N1 vaccine administration coding and payment.

South Dakota Department of Health

Click here for A-H1N1 flu information compiled by the Department of Health.

South Dakotans looking for information about H1N1 vaccine opportunities can call a new state hotline, 1.866.320.2740.

NEW: Department of Health Weekly Backgrounders

Current Department of Health News Releases and Updates

11.13.09: H1N1 vaccine recommended for kids, adults with chronic health conditions
11.6.09: State expands eligibility for H1N1 vaccine
10.26.09: State announces H1N1 flu vaccine hotline
10.21.09: H1N1 flu: know when to seek medical care
10.19.09: Caring for a flu patient at home
10.9.09: H1N1 vaccine continues to come into state; high-risk groups first in line
10.2.09: South Dakota reports first H1N1 death
10.2.09: State places order for first shipment of H1N1 vaccine
9.25.09: Know when to seek medical care for H1N1 Flu
9.18.09: State launches gateway web page for H1N1 Flu
9.11.09: Health official: proceed with seasonal flu vaccine clinics
8.21.09: Individual planning key to H1N1 flu preparedness
8.13.09: Health officials expect more H1N1 flu as school resumes
8.7.09: H1N1 pandemic flu: will there be vaccine?

South Dakota Health Alert Network (SDHAN) Updates

11.23.09: Not known when vaccines available to general public
11.16.09: Vaccine should be given to high-risk groups
11.2.09: Vaccine quantities continue to be limited
10.27.09: Vaccine clinics update
10.26.09: H1N1 vaccine quantities are still limited
10.19.09: SD receives another shipment of vaccine
10.13.09: Second shipment of A-H1N1 flu vaccine arrives
10.6.09: Health care worker A-H1N1 flu vaccine shipment arrives

Spring 2009 Department of Health News Releases and Updates

4.27.09: Click here for information on the Department of Health investigation of two suspect cases of A-H1N1 flu.
4.27.09: Click here for information on the two suspect cases testing negative for A-H1N1 flu.
4.30.09: Click here for information on the Department of Health's identification of a probable A-H1N1 flu case in Marshall County.
5.1.09: Click here for information on the Department of Health's identification of a probable A-H1N1 flu case in Minnehaha County.
5.2.09: Click here for information on the closing of a Sioux Falls child care center on possible A-H1N1 flu exposure concerns.
5.5.09: Click here for information on two additional probable A-H1N1flu cases reported in Minnehaha County and Lincoln County.
5.5.09: Click here for information on a second Sioux Falls child care center on possible A-H1N1 flu exposure concerns.
5.5.09: Click here for information about the changes to CDC guidelines on the closing of schools and child care facilities.

A South Dakota man recently was diagnosed with swine flu not related to the April 2009 outbreak.

Click here for more information from the Department of Health.

Seasonal Influenza

Click here to view a variety of influenza vaccination resources offered by the CDC.

South Dakota Department of Health

Click here for the most recent weekly influenza summary report.
Click here for information on the state's first flu-related death in the 2008-2009 season, reported January 5, 2009.

The CDC is requesting that states report all cases of influenza-related pediatric mortality.

Click here for more information.

The CDC reports the prevalence to antiviral-resistant flu strains is high.

Click here and here to view the CDC's interim recommendations for the use of certain influenza antiviral medications.

Salmonella

Nearly 40 South Dakotans may have been sickened as part of a regional Salmonella outbreak linked with sprouts.

Click here for the latest information on the outbreak from the Department of Health.

Three South Dakota children have been sickened as part of a national Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter.

Click here for information on the outbreak from the Department of Health.
Click here for the CDC's public health advisory on the outbreak.
Click here for more information on the outbreak from the CDC.

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