by Davy James, Staff Writer
With reported cases of swine flu spreading fears of a potential pandemic, the township is acting quickly to assuage fears and prevent any possible spread of the illness.
The South Brunswick Health Department is partnering with the state Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and county and local health departments to prevent the spread of swine flu in the community.
”We’ve been planning for this for a long time,” said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz. “We’re ahead of the curve because we have our own Board of Health. There’s been substantial planning done in regards to pandemics, natural and manmade disasters.”
The South Brunswick Health Department is in constant contact with the Centers for Disease Control and asks that residents not be unduly alarmed and take the following steps to protect themselves and the community:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue into the trash after using it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs are spread that way.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
While residents are urged not to overreact, the township is taking the threat seriously.
”It’s too soon to really judge how this is going to go but we have to keep people aware of the danger and keep people aware of what they can do to avoid getting the flu,” said Mayor Frank Gambatese. “We have our own Health Department and have the resources and professionalism to get things done quickly. It seems the way this thing is going it could be very serious but we have to wait and see.”
For more information visit www.twp.south-brunswick.nj.us and click on the What’s Current tab or contact the Health Department at 732-329-4000, ext. 7237.

