Press Release

Office of the Governor

Maryland Announces Toll Free Swine Flu Information Line

Residents can call 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) Seven days a week

 

Media Contacts:
Shaun Adamec Office: 410-974-2316 Cell: 410-919-3206	Christine Hansen Office: 410-974-2316 Cell: 443-336-5270

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 1, 2009) - Governor Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) announced today that 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) has been activated as a statewide toll free information line to answers questions residents may have about the swine flu outbreak.

The service will operate between the hours of 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday - Friday and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In addition, DHMH will accept swine flu questions by email at swineflu@dhmh.state.md.us.

"It is of paramount importance to ensure information is available in as many ways as possible," Governor O'Malley said. "This information line - 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) - and the email option are more tools to help answer questions our residents may have about this new flu. Information remains available on the Internet at www.maryland.gov."

As with any other seasonal flu, DHMH officials remind Marylanders to use common sense precautions to avoid becoming ill or spreading an illness to others. Basic hygiene is the best tool to help prevent a swine flu illness. Individuals should frequently wash their hands and cover their mouths when coughing.

"Maryland residents will ask more and more questions as this outbreak moves forward and additional cases are identified," DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers said. "This phone line and mailbox are additional resources to assist those who need answers."

DHMH officials have identified eight probable cases of swine flu in Maryland. They are from Anne Arundel County (three), Baltimore County (four) and Montgomery County (one.) All patients are recovering from their illness and none have been hospitalized. Due to confidentiality considerations, no further information about the patients will be released.

In addition to the 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) information line, people can log on to www.maryland.gov for swine flu-related information.