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Florida reports second H1N1 flu death
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 |
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TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Health reported the second laboratory confirmed H1N1 swine flu death on Wednesday afternoon.
According to a press release, a 30-year-old female in Seminole County has died due to the flu. The state’s first confirmed death in mid June was a 9-year-old Miami-Dade County resident.
While most cases of H1N1 Swine Flu are mild, there are exceptions. Pre-existing health conditions often play a role in how individuals react to the flu, the press release said.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these individuals." said Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros. “All of us should continue to be alert and stay home if sick, cover your cough and sneeze, and wash hands frequently."
Florida currently has 562 confirmed cases of H1N1 Swine Flu, according to the latest figures from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of June 24, 21,449 cases of H1N1 flu and 87 deaths were reported in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
As of June 11, nine cases of H1N1 flu had been reported in Pinellas County.
The World Health Organization upped the alert level to a Phase 6 "pandemic" on June 11. The elevated alert was based on geographic distribution and not the severity of swine flu, officials said.
The United States declared a public health emergency on April 26. Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros declared a public health emergency on May 1, and a toll free information line was opened to answer calls from the public requesting H1N1 flu information. The number is 1-800-342-3557. The phone line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Officials are still giving the same advice: people with flu symptoms should stay at home. Everyone should cover their mouth when they cough and their nose when they sneeze.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu include a fever of 104 degrees or greater accompanied by a sore throat and cough. People with chronic medical conditions should contact their doctor right away.
The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations:
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
- Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.
“If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home,” Ros said.
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Article published on Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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