May 17,2009

ATTENTION: Those who have traveled to countries or areas with reported cases of Influenza A(H1N1) (sometimes referred to as ‘swine flu’).

 

If you have flu-like symptoms such as coughing, high fever, etc., please contact the nearest Hatsu-netsu soudan center (High Fever Consultation Center) at the Health and Welfare Office as soon as possible. Please see the list below for relevant phone, fax, and email contacts.

To prevent further spreading of the flu, please be sure to wear a mask when in crowded areas, gargle and wash hands thoroughly upon returning home, and observe appropriate coughing etiquette.

 

【Hatsu-netsu Soudan Centers (High Fever Consultation Centers)】

To cope with anxieties and fears concerning health issues of those in Hokkaido, the Hokkaido government provides a consultation service at the Bureau of Health and Medical Affairs, Department of Health and Welfare, and has set up Hatsu-netsu Soudan Centers (High Fever Consultation Centers) at the prefectural Health and Welfare Offices as follows.

 

○    24hours Consultation Service

At the Bureau of Health and Medical Affairs, Department of Health and Welfare, the service is available 24 hours. 

Phone: 011-204-5253 Fax: 011-204-2013

*An English-speaking operator may not always be available. In this case, please leave your name and phone number and an English-speaking operator will return your call as soon as possible.

 

○ Consultation Service Hours   9:00am~9:00pm

 Consultation Service         Please refer to this list

*An English-speaking operator may not always be available. In this case, please leave your name and phone number and an English-speaking operator will return your call as soon as possible.

 

★Symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1)

Predictable symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza including fever, energy loss, reduced appetite, and coughing.

Some patients may have symptoms of running nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

★Conventional preventative methods for cold and flu are also effective in preventing Influenza A(H191).

        Observe coughing etiquette (use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing)

 

        Wear a mask when going out, and gargle and wash hands thoroughly upon returning home.

 

        Keep away from crowded areas except when necessary.

 

        Get enough nourishment and rest.

 

        Keep rooms at appropriate conditions in terms of temperature and humidity.

 

 

(Useful Links)

○Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

 http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/index.html

 

○Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

http://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html

 

○Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

 http://www.maff.go.jp/e/index.html

 

○Prime Ministry of Japan and His Cabinet

 http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html

 

○The Mexican Embassy in Japan

 http://www.mx.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm