November 12, 2009

2009 H1N1 (swine) Flu Infection Contributes to Death of Elmore County Woman

The 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu virus has contributed to the death of an Elmore County woman in her 30s who had underlying medical conditions. This is the first confirmed death associated with the H1N1 flu virus in Elmore County and for the Central District Health Department (CDHD).

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of this woman,” says Nikki Sakata, Program Manager of the CDHD Communicable Disease Control division. “This death is a sobering reminder that influenza is serious, especially for those who have underlying medical conditions.”

A total of 742 people in Idaho have lab confirmed infections from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic fu virus since September 1. Public health officials believe a far larger number of people have become infected with the H1N1 virus, but have not been tested.

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some reports of diarrhea and vomiting. Most infected individuals recover well with rest at home, but some people remain at higher risk of serious effects of influenza infection.

People considered to be high risk for H1N1 pandemic flu infection include:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

More information about 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu is available from:

• CDHD’s website: www.cdhd.idaho.gov
• CDHD’s Flu Hotline 321-2222
• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s website at www.panflu.idaho.gov
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
• U.S Dept. of Health and Human Services website at www.flu.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hotline: 1-800-CDC-Info (1-800-232-4636).