RI using new technology to track H1N1

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island is now the first state in the nation to launch a system for tracking H1N1 and other disease outbreaks.

The Department of Health will use ‘e-prescribing’ to track diseases. The system was first created to issue drug prescriptions electronically.

Now, even though only a third of the prescriptions in Rhode Island are filled electronically, health experts believe the system could be a major breakthrough in the tracking and management of viruses and other ailments. That's is expected to be especially vital as the number of H1N1 cases grows.

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Another first that made this tracking possible; Rhode Island is the first state with 100 percent of its retail pharmacies participating in ‘e-prescribing’.

(Learn how to protect your family from H1N1 flu virus)

During a news conference Monday morning, Gov. Donald Carcieri and Dr. David Gifford, director of the DOH, discusses the new development and other H1N1 issues.

Gifford urged Rhode Islanders to take precautions, but not to be fearful.

"People are home, and they are anxious. They are worried about it," said Gifford. "We're getting the information out that people who don't have an underlying illness, people who are okay, can stay at home."