No Reason to Change Derby Plans, says Health Department

Louisville health officials say there’s no reason to stay away from Derby events over fears of contracting swine flu.  But the Metro Department of Health and Public Wellness is keeping a close eye on the situation.After the U.S. was declared to be in a ‘public health emergency’ over the weekend, health agencies across the country are paying closer attention to the spread of swine flu.  It was first-reported in Mexico and dozens of non-fatal cases have been confirmed in several U.S. states, including one in Ohio.  Louisville Health Department Director Dr. Adewale Troutman says there’s no reason to panic here, or even reason to stay away from Derby Festival events.“At this point, we have no recommendations that say if you’re feeling okay, that you’re doing good, that you should fear large crowds," says Troutman.He says while they monitor the situation here, and receive updates from the Centers for Disease Control, there’s no reason to panic.“We’re encouraging people to go about their regular activities, enjoy the Derby, enjoy the Oaks, enjoy the Festaville,  and we’re on top of this, working in collaboration with the state health department, with the Centers for Disease Control and we’re also watching news from the World Health Organization, so we’re working and we’re on top of this," says Troutman.If there is a confirmed case of swine flu reported in the region, Troutman says they'll have a plan in place to help protect the community.    Troutman says officials have ramped up monitoring of flu-like cases in doctor’s offices and hospitals.  So far, no swine flu cases have been confirmed in Kentucky or Indiana.

• Swine Flu monitoring through the CDC
• Swine Flu information from the World Health Organization