Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists

As a consequence of Hurricane Gustav and its impact on the States of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby determine that a public health emergency exists and has existed since August 27, 2008, in the States of Louisiana and Texas, August 28, 2008, in the State of Mississippi, and August 29, 2008 in the State of Alabama.