Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the state has partially activated the state's Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Joint Information Center (JIC) in its efforts to protect citizens and provide information on the human outbreak of swine flu being reported around the country.  The Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC) also has been fully activated to oversee reporting of potential swine flu cases in Michigan and provide public health officials with updated information.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced yesterday that one probable swine flu case was reported in Livingston County.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reviewing the state laboratory results to determine if this case is positive.  Test results are expected later today or tomorrow.

The State Emergency Operations Center is staffed by members of several state agencies to monitor the ongoing situation with local, state and federal agencies.  The SEOC coordinates response and recovery efforts of state agencies and local government.  The SEOC is located in Lansing and was activated as a precautionary effort to ensure a collaborative response to any future swine flu cases.  The Michigan Department of State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division oversees the SEOC.

The purpose of the Joint Information Center is to serve as the state's central communications hub.  The JIC is staffed by public information officers from the various state agencies.  They are responsible for gathering, monitoring and disseminating information to keep the public aware of any and all developments relating to the outbreak.   

There are common-sense steps everyone can take right now to avoid spreading any type of influenza, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• As always, people with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid transmitting infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
• People experiencing severe symptoms, including cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, chills, headaches, body aches, along with possible diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.

Additional information is available online at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. 

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NOTE: ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES ARE BEING HANDLED BY THE JOINT INFORMATION CENTER AT 888-EMDToday (888-363-8632).

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