As the Army's public health organization, the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine is working with Army medical treatment facilities to spot cases of H1N1 [swine] flu quickly to prevent the disease from spreading.

"We are reporting our findings through the Army surgeon general's office to DoD [Department of Defense]," said John F. Ambrose, the epidemiologist leading CHPPM's flu surveillance efforts. "As of May 4, the Army reported three confirmed cases of H1N1 flu, all in Family members."

Ambrose said that Soldiers and other Army beneficiaries generally would share the same risk of getting flu as the rest of the U.S. population. He and his colleagues at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect the number of U.S. flu cases to increase.

CHPPM's surveillance of H1N1 cases includes its home installation.

"CHPPM is monitoring Aberdeen Proving Ground as we are other Army posts," Ambrose said. He pointed out that CHPPM also has the mission to assist Army MTFs with investigation of H1N1 cases onsite if asked to do so.

During the current outbreak, CHPPM's goal is to help reduce the transmission of flu and mitigate its severity in those Soldiers and beneficiaries who may get it.

"It is important to spot flu cases quickly, so that we can limit the spread of this illness," Ambrose said. "This is why we are reaching out to Army MTFs to monitor any cases that occur and, if cases are identified, minimize the ill person's contact with others to keep the flu from spreading."

If a flu case is found at an Army MTF, Ambrose said that the public health role would include identifying the person's close contacts so that they could be treated with preventive drugs by healthcare providers and observed for illness.

While proactive monitoring and identification of H1N1 cases is vital, Soldiers and other Army beneficiaries should be aware that there are preventive measures available.

"It's important for you all to understand that there is no cause for panic or alarm," wrote Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, U.S. Army surgeon general in his blog. "Antiviral drugs are available in the event you become ill; and there are preventive measures you can take to stay healthy."

CHPPM's role as a public health organization is not to treat individual patients, but to identify and monitor diseases and injuries in the Army population, as well as provide preventive and health promotion information and services.

Soldiers, Family members or APG civilians who think they have the flu should minimize their contact with others and see their healthcare providers for testing and any necessary treatment.

CHPPM offers flu prevention information in the form of posters and stickers. These items can be used to educate APG Soldiers and civilian employees on the best way to minimize the spread of flu germs. These materials can be ordered via the Web.

For information on H1N1 activity, prevention and treatment, visit these Web sites:

CHPPM, http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil

Army Medicine, www.armymedicine.army.mil

CDC, www.cdc.gov/swineflu

DOD Flu Watchboard, http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/

For information on H1N1 flu cases in the Army, contact the Office of the Chief of Army Public Affairs, pressdesk@hqda.army.mil or 703-692-2000.