Homeland Security Holds Roundtable Discussion on H1N1 Virus in Jackson

There have been two deaths in Mississippi from the H1N1 swine flu, but House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson says the state appears prepared to handle a major swine flu outbreak. MPB's Patty Davis has more.

Mississippi's second district Congressman, Bennie Thompson, was part of a panel discussion Tuesday in Jackson, addressing challenges and other issues related to the swine flu. Also on that panel was Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Lute.

Lute: It was an opportunity for us to listen to the dialogue from the public health officials, education officials and advocacy groups. And to be able to add the value that the federal government will be able to add, but not substitute for the local judgements here. It was extremely useful, interesting and emblematic of the state of preparedness here in Mississippi.

Thompson says one concern was the cost of the H1N1 vaccine, when it arrives in mid October.

Thompson: One of the things we are making quite clear is that it will be free. And Public Health Departments as well as your local physician will be able to dispense it however there might be an administrative free, ten dollars we think, for the vaccine to be administered.

While the vaccine may be limited at first, the health department's Dr Mary Currier says only a small portion of the population are at risk for serious complications from the swine flu.

Currier: Most people with this illness will not need to go see their physician. Most people who are otherwise healthy, and get this flu, will recover completely on their own. And having Tami-flu is a nice thing but it really, for most people, just cuts back their illness for a day.

Funding from the CDC will allow the state departments of health and education, to place nurses in school districts that currently don't have a nurse on staff. but a decision whether to close a school will be made at the local level.
Patty Davis MPB News.