The University of Georgia, one of six National Institutes of Health Regional Centers of Excellence of Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), has several experts who can comment to the media on the H1N1 virus (commonly known as swine flu) Researchers can be contacted directly at the phone numbers or e-mail addresses below.
Ralph Tripp, Ph.D
Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar
in Animal Health Vaccine Development
Department of Infectious Diseases
UGA College of Veterinary Medicine
ratripp@uga.edu
706/542-1557
Ralph Tripp’s laboratory is one of six National Institutes of Health Regional Centers of Excellence of Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS). The UGA Animal Health Research Center (AHRC) has state-of-the-art biocontainment labs where Tripp will test anti-viral strategies against H1N1 swine flu and learn more about its transmission and virulence. “This is a rapidly evolving situation,” Tripp said. “We are currently working with the CDC Emergency Operations Center and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and will be actively involved in addressing the threat.”
Christopher Whalen, MD, MS
Professor of Epidemiology, UGA College of Public Health
706/227-4736
Christopher Whalen, MD, is board certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine. He is also a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and can provide information on preventing illness and current treatment methods. “People should recognize the signs and symptoms of influenza like illness – that would be fever plus respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sore throat,” Whalen said, “and they should seek advice from their physician if they develop those symptoms.”
David Reeves DVM, MS
Associate Professor in Food Animal Health and Management
Emphasis in swine production medicine.
UGA College of Veterinary Medicine
706/542-9330
David Reeves can discuss steps pork producers can take to ensure that their workers stay healthy. He emphasizes that pork is still safe to eat. “Good hygiene such as washing your hands is still the best way to protect yourself from becoming infected with this or any other strain of influenza virus,” Reeves said.
Steven Valeika, DVM, PhD
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology
UGA College of Public Health
Steven Valeika is an infectious disease epidemiologist and a veterinarian, and can discuss issues relating to the transmission of swine flu. He also can answer questions relating to the role of pigs, birds and humans in relation to influenza transmission. “Until more quality information is available, for instance laboratory confirmation of the presumed cases in Mexico, we should maintain an attitude of calm concern and avoid undue anxiety about this situation,” Valeika said.
706/542-1559
For further assistance, please contact Wendy Jones (706/542-6927 or wfjones@uga.edu) or Sam Fahmy (706/542-5361, sfahmy@uga.edu) in the UGA Office of Public Affairs/News Service.