Content:
    Staci King

 Pagemasters:
    OEMM Web Team

MMS Promotes Employee Awareness and Prevention of 2009 Flu

Human cases of H1N1 flu have been identified in several states and countries, and case counts continue to increase. H1N1 flu is caused by an influenza virus that normally infects pigs but can also infect humans. The particular strain of H1N1 flu associated with this outbreak can be transmitted person-to-person. While medical experts continue to evaluate the outbreak and understand the virus, resources from across the federal government have mobilized to provide guidance to the American public and protect public health. The most up-to-date information on H1N1 flu can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

	Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
	Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
	Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

	Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
	If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For common questions and answers on how the H1N1 flu affects humans, please see:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/swineflu_you.htm

MMS Efforts in Addressing the H1N1 Flu:

MMS is closely monitoring the recent emergence of H1N1 flu in Mexico and the United States. We are working with the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other federal agencies to better understand and minimize the potential health risks of H1N1 flu to employees and visitors. Specific actions MMS is taking include the following:

	The MMS is working closely with CDC, DOI and other federal agencies to communicate and coordinate information.
	MMS Emergency Coordinator is monitoring this dynamic situation and is producing daily updates for MMS and DOI senior staff.
	The MMS Human Resources, Safety, and Emergency Management Programs are coordinating bureau-wide communication, preparation, and response.
	MMS established a web site for disseminating information and guidance. Updates are provided as necessary.
	The need for agency specific preparations and responses is being evaluated and guidance will be provided as it is developed and appropriate.

Specific Information on the H1N1 Flu for Employees and Supervisors:

	Secretary Salazar’s Memo to Employees
	Federal Benefits During an Emergency
	Federal Employee’s Emergency Guide
	Federal Supervisor’s Decision Chart for Pandemics
	MMS Supervisors' Q&As on H1N1

General Information Links:

	World Health Organization - H1N1 Influenza website
	Health and Human Services - H1N1 Flu website
	DOI H1N1 Flu Website
	OI Pandemic Influenza Plan
	MMS Pandemic Influenza Plan – Links to MMS Intranet Site
	State Department Travel Information
	Office of Personnel Management – Pandemic website

National Emergency Links:

	National Hurricane Center
	Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
	American Red Cross
	Department of the Interior's Emergency Web Page

Volcano Emergency Links - Alaska:

	Alaska Volcano Observatory
	Ash Fall Preparedness
	Anchorage Office of Emergency Preparedness

Hurricane Emergency Links

	Texas Emergency Links:   Brazoria County Harris County
	Louisiana Emergency Management Links:   Louisiana's Emergency Resources Entergy Jefferson Parish St. Tammany Parish Plaquemines Parish St. Charles Parish Orleans Parish St. John the Baptist Parish

Bookmark this page...It will contain important information relating to emergency operations and return-to-duty instructions for MMS employees. Links to additional emergency-related services will also be located here as necessary.