MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) has set up a new Swine Flu Information Line at (866) 767-5044 where the public can call to get up-to-date facts on swine influenza. The Swine Flu Information Line is toll-free and staffed by trained professionals who will answer questions from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The call center staff consists of professionals who have been trained in public health emergency service information. In addition, recorded messages (updated daily at 7 a.m.) are accessible seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

“The Swine Flu Information Line was set up to provide immediate and accurate information to residents with questions or concerns about the disease,” said Health Director Chiyome Fukino, M.D. “With recent worldwide events, our department has received increasing requests for general information on swine influenza, and people need to know what they can do to protect themselves from getting sick. The Swine Flu Line can provide this information conveniently and quickly over the phone.”

At this time, there are no confirmed cases of swine influenza in Hawai‘i. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel health warning recommending that travelers postpone all non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice. Additional information and recommendations on swine influenza and what you can do to prepare is available at www.hawaii.gov/health and www.cdc.gov/swineflu

The DOH continues to work closely with county, state and federal agencies in dealing with this emerging and ever-changing public health issue. The Swine Flu Information Line is sponsored by the Department of Health and operated by the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center.