U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today after attending a meeting at which Members of Congress heard an update on the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, from Obama Administration Officials Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, M.D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Acting Attending Physician Brian Monaghan.
“I want to commend the Obama Administration for their efforts to communicate to Members of Congress and the public about the so-called swine flu.
“Secretary Sebelius outlined the goals of the federal government’s actions: to slow down the spread of the disease and save lives. She announced that the federal government is deploying medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile to states with confirmed cases of H1N1, and that scientists are working to develop an effective vaccine.
“Secretary Napolitano outlined the coordinated and comprehensive approach that the Obama Administration is taking to address the flu, emphasizing that state and local public health departments should review their plans to respond if H1N1 affects their community. She also emphasized that the U.S. response will not be driven by emotion, but by what is the most effective way to protect the American people.
“Rear Admiral Schuchat emphasized that the public can get up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at their website www.cdc.gov, and that the CDC is tracking the virus and developing the most effective ways protect the public.
“As of Wednesday afternoon, no cases of H1N1 have been identified in Washington state. I will continue to monitor this issue, and I encourage my constituents to follow the common-sense precautions outlined by President Obama, including frequent hand-washing and staying home from work or school if you become sick.”