HHS

The First In Albany And Greene Counties

May 21, 2009 -- “This morning, I was informed by the State Department of Health that testing at its Wadsworth Laboratories confirmed two new cases of H1N1 (swine flu) in Albany and Greene counties. These are the first confirmed H1N1 cases in each of those counties.

“These additional cases are cause for concern, but they should not be cause for panic or alarm. Our Health Department is using all of its resources and working diligently with its local and national partners to ensure the public remains healthy and safe as we confront this crisis.    » read more »

19 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 19 May 2009, 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map.

Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)    » read more »

May 17, 2009 -- “It is with great sadness tonight that we learn that New York has lost one of its residents to an illness related to H1N1. Speaking for all New Yorkers, our condolences and prayers go to Mitchell Wiener’s family, friends, co-workers and students. I know he will be missed at the Intermediate School 238 in Hollis.

“The New York State Department of Health (DOH) remains on heightened alert to respond to the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak. DOH continues to work closely with local public health departments that are carefully monitoring the situation, particularly with respect to absenteeism in schools.    » read more »

Drug Company Allegedly Failed to Pay Hundreds of Millions in Rebates to Medicaid Program

May 18, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – The United States and 16 states have joined in two whistleblower suits filed in the District of Massachusetts against the drug manufacturer, Wyeth, alleging that the company knowingly failed to give the government the same discounts it provided to private purchasers of its drugs, as required by laws governing the Medicaid program.

As a result, Wyeth allegedly avoided paying hundreds of millions in rebates due to state Medicaid programs for its drugs, Protonix Oral and Protonix IV. These drugs belong to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which are used to suppress stomach acid.    » read more »

17 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 17 May 2009, 39 countries have officially reported 8480 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2895 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 66 deaths. The United States has reported 4714 laboratory confirmed human cases, including four deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.    » read more »

May 15, 2009 -- “This evening I was informed by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that New York City has made a decision to close an additional three schools due to high absenteeism and reports of influenza-like illnesses. The three schools are:

o JHS 74Q - Nathanial Hawthorne School, 1021 students in Bayside: 26 students with documented flu-like symptoms.
o P.S. 107Q - Thomas A. Dooley, 891 students in Flushing: Flu-like symptoms were documented as being persistently high this week and 49 students were documented with flu-like symptoms.
o I.S. 318K - Eugenio Maria De Hostos, 1517 students in Williamsburg: 53 students were documented with flu-like symptoms this week.    » read more »

May 15, 2009 -- “Health experts have said all along it was inevitable that swine flu would eventually show up in Mississippi, and they were right as three cases have been confirmed in south Mississippi. But, this is no time to panic; instead, it is a time to be cautious and mindful of good health practices with which you and your families are already familiar.

“The state Department of Health is on top of the situation in Mississippi and will continue to monitor and issue guidance as necessary. I encourage all Mississippians to stay alert for additional information.”

Source: Mississippi Governor

PHOENIX (May 14, 2009) – Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed today that a woman in her late 40’s with underlying lung disease died last week from complications of Novel H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu). This is the first death in Arizona associated with the new flu strain and the fourth in the nation.

“Unfortunately, we knew this was coming. Flu is serious, especially for those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa Department of Public Health. “However, I need to emphasize that this death does not change our course of action here in Maricopa County.”    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the release of $1.79 billion to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS continue to have access to life-saving health care and medications. The grants are funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps more than 529,000 individuals every year obtain the care and services they need to live longer, healthier lives.    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- “Today, I joined New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to announce that the New York City Health Department has recommended closing three schools in Queens after documenting unusually high levels of influenza-like illness. The schools will close tomorrow and remain closed for at least five school days.

“We will continue to work closely with New York City officials to monitor the situation at these three schools and schools across the State to ensure that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect our children and families. I continue to urge residents across New York to remain alert, but not alarmed.”

The three schools that closed in Queens include:    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed 9 new cases of novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) among Connecticut residents. Eight cases were confirmed by the Connecticut DPH Laboratory and one by the Massachusetts State Laboratory.

Positive results for H1N1 flu were confirmed for Fairfield, Manchester, Ridgefield (2), Southbury, Stamford, Trumbull, Waterbury, and Woodbury.    » read more »

14 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 14 May 2009, 33 countries have officially reported 6497 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2446 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 60 deaths. The United States has reported 3352 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths. Canada has reported 389 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.    » read more »

May 13, 2009 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the Department of Public Health has confirmed 5 new cases of novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) among Connecticut residents.

Positive results for H1N1 flu were confirmed today at the department’s Public Health Laboratory for two residents of Ridgefield as well as for residents of Hamden, Redding, and Wilton.

“We are fortunate that the cases that we are seeing in Connecticut continue to be relatively mild and folks are recovering without hospitalization,” Governor Rell said. “However, just like seasonal flu, H1N1 can lead to serious illness and it is important that people take simple precautions to protect themselves. People with flu-like symptoms should call their doctor.”    » read more »

May 12, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts:    » read more »

May 12, 2009 -- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued the following statement regarding the new Medicare Trustees’ report. A joint statement regarding the report from the Medicare Trustees is also available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TRSUM/index.html. Sebelius’ statement is below:

"President Obama understands that Medicare is an essential program that provides care for millions of our seniors and the disabled. We will do whatever it takes to protect it.    » read more »