WASHINGTON, DC -- After taking part in a Senate Health Committee hearing today with Dr. Richard Besser, acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), issued the following statement:

"I have been briefed by federal health officials, and I am confident that the government is taking the appropriate steps to respond to the recent H1N1 influenza outbreak. President Obama has declared a public health emergency and is working with health professionals and local governments to ensure the public's safety.

"It is important for people not to panic because this strain of flu is very curable, if treated quickly. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to know the facts. I have launched a page on my website -- reed.senate.gov - to help people get answers to their questions and provide links to other resources.

"I urge all Rhode Islanders to be vigilant and take simple but effective precautions, like frequent hand washing and staying home if you are sick, to reduce the risk of infection. I am also prepared to support legislation allocating additional federal resources if they are found to be necessary.

"I will continue to monitor the situation closely as it evolves and keep Rhode Islanders informed about federal efforts to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus."