ReadySanDiego.org

County Announces Annual "Cool Zones"

2009-07-06T12:30:00-07:00

County officials have announced the start of the annual Cool Zone program, a network of designated air-conditioned sites throughout the county where seniors, people with disabilities, and others can escape the heat.

Residents can also get electric fans and bus passes through the program.

For more information, call 800-510-2020 (press 6) or visit the County's Cool Zone Information Page.

Stay cool, San Diego County!

Two More Local H1N1 Flu-related Deaths

2009-06-29T13:03:34-07:00

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has confirmed two additional deaths associated with the Novel H1N1 Influenza virus. The deceased are a 49-year-old female and a 75-year-old male.

“These two deaths are a reminder that everyone needs to be aware that H1N1 Influenza continues to infect people in our community,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., San Diego County Public Health Officer. “Our thoughts are with the friends and families of these individuals.”

“We encourage residents of San Diego County to take the necessary precautions as they would during a regular flu season. These precautions include covering your mouth when coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, and washing hands frequently and properly,” Wooten added. “These routine precautions can go a long way in protecting your health and the health of those around you.”

As of June 25, the California Department of Health reports 1,294 cases of H1N1 Influenza and 19 H1N1 related deaths in California. San Diego County has 392 confirmed H1N1 cases and three deaths as of June 29.

For additional information on H1N1 influenza visit the San Diego County news page here.

Public Urged To Be Vigilant, But Remain Calm Regarding H1N1

2009-06-18T17:15:48-07:00

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) today stressed that county residents should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the spread of the H1N1 Influenza virus, but that they should not panic or use emergency departments unless they have severe symptoms – such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or flu like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse cough.

“We understand people are concerned after the first H1N1 Influenza-related death in our community,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., San Diego County Public Health Officer. “The loss of any human life is tragic and we again send our deepest condolences to the family.

“But I need to remind the public that each year about 36,000 people in the United States die from the seasonal flu. It’s unfortunate to see a death related to H1N1 Influenza but we expect more cases here and throughout the U.S.”

The woman’s death was the first H1N1-related death in San Diego County and there have been 8 deaths in California. There are now 290 confirmed H1N1 cases and 25 hospitalizations in San Diego County.

“Currently, there is no vaccine for H1N1. The best protection for people is to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently,” said Wooten. “If you are experiencing influenza-like illness, stay at home and do not go to school or work and do not travel. You should stay at home for seven days or until a day after the symptoms have disappeared.

For additional information on H1N1 influenza visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov, www.cdc.gov, or call 2-1-1 San Diego.

County's First H1N1 Flu Death Reported

2009-06-17T11:33:24-07:00

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) confirmed that a 20-year-old woman was the first local H1N1 death in San Diego County.

"Residents of San Diego County still need to be vigilant about H1N1 and take the necessary precautions of covering their mouth when they cough, sneeze or blow their nose, and wash their hands frequently," said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., San Diego County Public Health Officer.

For more information visit the San Diego County news page.

DHS Launches "The Blog @ Homeland Security"

2009-06-15T14:47:17-07:00

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today launched The Blog @ Homeland Security, a new addition to the Department’s web presence designed to increase transparency and facilitate the dialogue between DHS and the American public.

'The Blog reflects our ongoing commitment to communicate directly with the American people about the Department’s efforts across the country and around the world,' said DHS Secretary Napolitano."