Health officials nationally and locally stress prevention measures as the H1N1 virus spreads.

Area residents might be wondering what is being done to spread information about the virus, especially to people who don't speak English well.

"We're just doing everything we know to do," says Dr. Doug Larsen, health director for the Central Shenandoah Health District.

It's come to the public's attention quickly and the spreading flu strain has people wanting more information.

"There's a healthy concern about it right now. I don't think we want to move it into sensationalism at all," says Rick Castaneda, chair of the Hispanic Services Council in Harrisonburg

Health officials are trying to communicate both preventive measures and general information about the flu strain in a variety of languages.

As for the Spanish-speaking population, Castaneda points out many don't watch local news, often turning to to Spanish-language shows instead.

"So, they're hearing more, probably, about it than we are because I'm sure this is all over Mexican national television programs and channels," says Castaneda.

Larsen says, "The main message we're trying to get out in all media is: 'Listen, we have a problem. Is this going to be a problem we can't solve? No.'"

The Virginia Department of Health recently updated their Website with resources in Spanish. Doctor's offices are putting up notices too.

Susannah Lepley is executive director of the New Bridges Immigrant Resource Center in Harrisonburg. She says the existing network of immigrants in the Valley is also key to spreading information about the flu.

"What the immigrant community really does really well is work with each other and share with each other where to go for different things," says Lepley.

At the health department's office in Harrisonburg, Larsen says there are 17 bilingual people on staff. The statewide call center is also equipped to get information for people in a variety of languages.