April 25th, 2009
Final update: May 6th
Social Health & Welfare Department, Medical & Nursing Care Division

[Occurrence of a new type of flu]
Recently, a new type of flu caused by the swine flu virus (H1N1 subtype) is going around in Mexico and other countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) gradually raised the worldwide warning level for the new type of flu, based on infection from human to human, on April 28th and 30th, 2009 JPT.
Currently, quarantine procedures are strictly implemented to prevent the new type of flu entering Japan from overseas countries including things, such as taking health checks of travelers who had been in the infected areas.

[Request to people of Fukushima Prefecture]
Please take notice of the latest information, and refrain from traveling to areas with outbreaks of the swine flu, and try to take measures against domestic occurrence. We would like to ask you cope with situations based on correct information.
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●Measures against the new type of flu What to do with the swine flu?
●To people coming back from overseas countries having symptoms such as fever and respiratory symptoms
●Telephone consultation for the new type of flu in Fukushima Prefecture

On April 25th, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry announced the emergence of a heavy respiratory disease that showed symptoms of influenza, and was going around in Mexico. The flu is caused by the swine flu virus (H1N1 subtype) that is occurring among people in America, also.
Now consultation services are available for residents of Fukushima Prefecture for inquiries relating to influenza.

<The situations in Mexico and America>
●Conditions of the respiratory disease in Mexico

WHO reported that from March 18th to April 23rd, 854 patients with symptoms of influenza including 59 deaths, were seen in Mexico, and 18 patients among them were confirmed to be infected by the swine flu virus (H1N1 subtype), and 12 samples were identified to be genetically identical to the swine flu (H1N1 subtype) reported in America.

●Conditions of influenza caused by the swine flu virus (H1N1 subtype) in America
WHO announced that 7 patients were determined to be infected by swine flue (H1N1) (5 California residents and 2 Texas residents), and 9 more possible cases of swine flu were found. Among the 7 patients, 1 was hospitalized for a short time and others had light symptoms of influenza, and no death toll was reported.

●Consultation service by telephone

Consultation service hours are as follows:
● April 29th (Mon) to May 1st (Fri) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fukushima Prefecture Social Health & Welfare Department, Medical & Nursing Care Division, Public Health and Welfare Office, Koriyama City Public Health Centre and Iwaki City Public Health Centre
●Consultation service by Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry
Tel: 03-3501-9031
Service Hours: April 29th or later: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

●Reminder
Please keep in mind the following cautions when going to Mexico and America.
・ Wear a mask to prevent infection through coughing and sneezing.
・ Wash your hands and gargle regularly.
・ Consult local medical institutions when you have symptoms of influenza, such as fever and coughing.

When coming back from Mexico or America, please keep in mind the following cautions.
・ Consult quarantine when entering Japan if you have symptoms of influenza, such as fever and coughing.
・ Go to a medical institution for a physical check as soon as possible if you have symptoms of influenza, such as fever and coughing.
Explain that you stayed in Mexico or America when consulting medical institutions.

＊ Relevant Web Site: Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry