For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, 202-225-3527
Buyer Briefed on VA Preparedness and Response to Swine Flu
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Buyer, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, was briefed on actions the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking to prepare and respond to the H1N1 influenza, formerly known as “swine flu”.
“VA is taking measures to protect veterans and our entire population,” Buyer said. “It is among the Department’s missions to play a critical role in national emergencies, and I am pleased with its preparedness and response in regard to the H1N1 virus. Clearly, VA has implemented lessons learned from annual preparedness exercises as well as actual emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina and the SARS outbreak. The improved levels of communication and coordination between VA and its local and federal partners will serve veterans and our country well.”
VA is conferring with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on a frequent basis to stay abreast of the most up-to-date information. The only known mortality caused by the virus was a child who had a preexisting chronic illness. The child was a Mexican citizen who had been brought across the border into Texas for medical treatment.
Among the veteran population, there are several cases under observation, but only one has been confirmed as the H1N1 virus. The patient was not hospitalized and is reportedly doing well. VA facilities are taking appropriate precautions to safeguard against the spread of the disease.
“I commend Secretary Shinseki and his entire team for taking action at a national and local level to activate VA’s Pandemic Flu Plans. VA has been proactive in providing information to its facilities, and has activated a toll-free number for veterans with concerns.”
For more information from VA about H1N1, veterans may call 1-800-507-4571 or visit
http://www.pandemicflu.va.gov/
For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to:
http://republicans.veterans.house.gov/
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