May 14, 2009

Ada County Has Three Confirmed H1N1 Infections And Two More Probables

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today confirmed that a 33-year-old Ada County woman did indeed have the novel H1N1 influenza virus infection. The woman is recovering at home and her medical provider recommended anti-virals for close family contacts. The number of cases now confirmed in Ada County stands at three.

Also today, Central District Health learned of two more probable Ada County cases of the novel H1N1 virus. The samples have been sent to the CDC for confirmation. The two new cases involve a 5-year-old girl, a close family contact of the woman confirmed with the virus today, and a 26-year-old Ada County man.

The CDC also confirmed the infection of a Madison County man, bringing to 5 the number of confirmed cases of novel H1N1 statewide. As of Thursday May 14th, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported that fourteen cases remain under investigation and that 375 other samples tested came back negative for the novel H1N1 flu virus.

Symptoms of the novel H1N1 infection are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. People cannot contract the infection from eating pork.

If you, or a family member, are experiencing these symptoms you should consult with your health care provider for treatment options and testing. Only testing can determine whether you have the H1N1 flu virus.