Swine Flu Info
Madison County - Swine Flu Information





A Swine Flu Statement from the
Madison County
Public Health Department Administrator
Jill-Marie Steeley

April 29th, 2009

Dear Madison County Residents,

As information pours in regarding the “Swine” Flu outbreak, it is hard to know which information is accurate and up to date. As we all know, rumors spread easily and information is often misinterpreted.

Our goal at the Madison Public Health Department is to keep the residents of Madison County well informed with accurate information so that we all can better protect ourselves and our loved ones.

We will post information to this website as we receive it from the MT Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You can also read the below fact sheet on Swine Flu so that you are assured you have all the information you need. Prevention is our best weapon at this point. We encourage you to practice the same prevention measures you do for seasonal influenza (which we are still at risk for) which are as follows:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  We will continue to keep you posted on updates we receive. If you have any questions, please call us at 843-4295.

Jill-Marie Steeley, Administrator

Updated 10/22/09:

After a highly successful seasonal influenza vaccination campaign, Madison County Public Health Department has begun to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine.
This vaccine is coming to the department in very small shipments.  We anticipate receiving larger shipments in the near future.  These doses are both at the Public Health office in Virginia City and have been made available to medical providers in Ennis and in the Ruby Valley. 
We anticipate eventually having enough vaccine for anyone who wishes to be vaccinated against H1N1 influenza.  However, until supplies are adequate we must prioritize vaccinations to the CDC-mandated target groups:
•Pregnant women
•Persons who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age
•Health-care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
•Children aged 6 months to 4 years
•Children and adolescents aged 5-18 years with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
Children under the age of 10 years will need two vaccinations to achieve immunity.  We hope to expand the target groups quickly to include all children 6 months to 18 years, and then individuals up to age 24, then the general population.
If you or your child meet the above criteria, call your medical provider or Madison County Public Health 843-4295 to schedule a vaccination.
Madison Valley Hospital and Clinic still has seasonal influenza vaccine for people 4 years and older.  The Health Department has available a small amount of seasonal influenza vaccine for children 6 months and up .  Call for availability.


To request more information please call the health department at 843-4295 or your primary care physician.

Please continue to practice good prevention measures which are as follows:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.


It is often difficult to tell whether you have a cold or the flu. Here are a few signs and symptoms to watch for.

Chances are it’s a COLD if
•Your illness developed slowly
•You are only mildly tired or weak
•You have a cough
•You have a sore throat

Chances are it’s the FLU if
•Your illness started suddenly
•You have a high fever
•You are extremely tired or weak
•You have a cough
•You may have a sore throat
•You have a headache
•Your muscles ache
•You have chills


Jill-Marie Steeley  -  Madison County Public Health Administrator