Moore County organizations are taking proactive and aggressive measures to protect residents against the spread of novel H1N1 influenza.

H1N1 -- also known as swine flu -- is expected to spread rapidly in the coming months. While it may be unpredictable, Moore County health officials expect a large number of Moore County residents to become ill with the virus before a vaccine becomes available this fall.

The Moore County Health Department is the lead agency locally for the H1N1 outbreak, and is working closely with local organizations to coordinate response.

"The health department continues to actively monitor the H1N1 flu situation and is working closely with the hospital, schools and health-care providers on prevention and treatment of the flu, along with planning for vaccinations," a statement released Friday read.

The local health department is following the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more on this story, see Sunday's edition of The Pilot.