The Grays Harbor County Commissioners declared a local emergency today regarding the H1N1 (swine) flu pandemic. The declaration is not a reflection of a worsening situation; rather it is an administrative action to increase the pool of available vaccinators and to provide staff with adequate flexibility to sustain a response to the H1N1 (swine) flu.

            County health officer Dr. John Bausher stated, “Today’s declaration is about ensuring access to additional resources, should we need them. There is no increased concern about the local H1N1 situation at this time.”

            The Grays Harbor County Public Health and Social Services Department has been responding to changes in the scope and spread of H1N1 since the outbreak began last spring. Current efforts includes a vaccine campaign for the county’s schools, getting health care providers connected to H1N1 vaccine supplies, and working to educate the public about preventing the spread of the flu.

            Bausher also noted, “We believe that flu is present in our community on a sporadic basis now, but we have not seen signs of widespread illness or high rates of school absenteeism at this time.”