State Identifies Additional Novel H1N1 Virus Case in Williamson County
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 | 08:57am
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health has identified an additional probable case of the novel H1N1 virus in WilliamsonCounty. As a result, the state has recommended the dismissal of students from CrockettElementary School for seven days to lessen the chance of transmission of the illness among students. The state’s initial case of the virus was identified by the department in WilliamsonCounty on April 29.
“We will continue to see cases of the virus identified in our state because of expanded testing and surveillance,” said State Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “People should continue to take steps to protect their health and the health of their family, co-workers and classmates by washing their hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue and staying home when they are sick.”
The state public health lab identified the additional case last night. Starting this week, the lab will be able to confirm cases of the virus for the state with the use of flu kits provided by federal officials.
To date, a total of 15 cases of this strain of flu have been identified through state lab testing. The breakdown is as follows:
|
County
|
CDC Confirmed Cases
|
Probable Cases
|
|
Davidson
|
1
|
9
|
|
Knox
|
0
|
2
|
|
Shelby
|
0
|
1
|
|
Williamson
|
1
|
1
|
|
TOTAL
|
2
|
13
|
All Tennessee patients are recovering from the illness and have a good prognosis. The Tennessee Department of Health is working with local public health officials to identify and provide antiviral medication to the patients’ family and close contacts. Anyone identified as a close contact of a patient will be notified by the Department.
Human cases of the H1N1 virus infection are being identified both in the U.S. and internationally. The Tennessee Department of Health is conducting active surveillance to determine how widespread the virus is in Tennessee. The Department is also collaborating with U.S. Health and Human Services to ensure the state has adequate medical supplies and necessary medications on hand should they be needed.
As of today, CDC has confirmed 279 human cases of this strain of flu infection in the U.S. and one related death. The most current information, as well as a state-by-state breakdown, can be found on the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
Tennessee residents who think they may be ill with the flu or flu-like illness should contact their health care provider. Symptoms of the illness are as follows: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
The Department of Health recommends frequent hand washing with warm soapy water, keeping hands away from your face, eyes and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. These precautions can also help prevent the spread of other illnesses including the common cold.
For more information about the current flu outbreak, visit the Department of Health Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/swineflu.htm. Additional information is also available at the CDC’s Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.