America's North Shore Journal

NYS Health Department Statement from Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissioner Governor Paterson asked me to coordinate a statewide response to H1N1 swine flu. For 10 days we have been holding daily briefings to update you on our latest activities and the most recent information concerning the outbreak. Yesterday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) granted New York State independent testing status for the H1N1 virus, validating the testing conducted by the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratories since April 28. With CDC validation, all cases of H1N1 tested by Wadsworth Laboratories previously reported as “probable” are now considered confirmed cases. As a result, 16 previously reported probable cases in the State outside of New York City are now confirmed cases of H1N1. Yesterday, Wadsworth Laboratories performed tests on four specimens … Read entire article »

The highest number of cases of swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, in the United States are in New York State. The initial cluster was in and around St. Francis Prep in Queens. Other cases have developed outside of New York City, with most of the patients having a history of visiting Mexico recently. Governor Paterson’s leadership has been invaluable in this evolving H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak in New York. As a result, New York is leading the nation in our response to this outbreak. The Governor’s decision last weekend to activate the State’s health emergency preparedness plan has allowed us to act swiftly to monitor, identify and treat cases of H1N1 in New York State. Yesterday [May 1 2009], the Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratories tested 43 specimens from 43 individuals, which included … Read entire article »