Health Advisories Archive
10.31.07 - Health Advisory
Health AdvisoryDate: October 31, 2007
From: Jeff Kuhr, Public Health Director
Subject: Influenza Cultures
In order to accurately monitor our early-season influenza activity, the Nebraska Public Health Lab will, for a limited time, process Influenza A culture and sensitivity tests at no cost. These no-cost tests will be available only during the early portion of the influenza season.
I encourage all Dodge, Saunders, and Washington County healthcare providers to participate in this surveillance activity by collecting a culture specimen on any positive rapid influenza test you come upon.
Send culture specimens to the Nebraska Public Health Lab (NPHL) using the NPHL courier service. Please direct any questions regarding the collection or shipping of specimens to NPHL at 402-559-2440 or toll free at 866-290-1406.
A reminder that the ILI (influenza like-illness) case definition is:
Fever ≥ 100F (≥ 37.8C), oral or equivalent, AND cough and/or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause other than influenza).
Any general surveillance questions can be directed to Lyndsay Osborn, Disease Surveillance Coordinator, at 402-727-5396 ext 14 between the hours of 8 and 4:30. Please leave a message if the phone is not answered.