LAKE COUNTY ? A middle-aged Lake County man has died after hospitalization with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus. This is the first Lake County resident to die with confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. The death occurred in mid-October, but could not be counted as an official case until definitive laboratory test results were completed. The patient had underlying health conditions that may have placed him at risk for severe H1N1 illness, and he died from secondary complications.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the patient,” Dr. Karen Tait, Lake County Health Officer said. “We know that H1N1 is present throughout our community, as it is throughout the nation. The vast majority of cases have mild or moderate illness, and the patients recover. Tragically, in this case, recovery did not occur.”
Since the arrival of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza this spring, 249 deaths related to this infection have been reported in California.
A vaccine has been developed against the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus and only recently started to arrive in extremely limited supplies. It is not yet widely available, but health officials expect quantities to increase over the coming weeks to months.
It is important that county residents take the following precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus.
? Stay home when you are sick with flu-like symptoms (fever and cough or sore throat). This will prevent others from catching your illness.
? Avoid close contact with others as much as possible (two arms lengths away).
? Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
? Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and always wash your hands afterwards or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
? Wash your hands frequently.
? Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
People experiencing flu-like symptoms should call their health care provider if they have severe symptoms, trouble breathing, are pregnant, or have underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic disease, or neuromuscular disorders.
A tool to assist in self-evaluation of influenza symptoms can be found at www.Flu.gov and more information about influenza can be found at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/pages/swineinfluenza.aspx .
