State Receives Second CDC Confirmation of H1N1 Virus Case
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 | 08:11am
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health has received notification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that another case of the novel H1N1 virus identified in the state has been confirmed positive. This confirms a case from DavidsonCounty. Starting this week, the state public health lab will be able to confirm cases of the virus for the state with the use of flu kits provided by federal officials.
“This confirms what we already know. The flu virus is circulating in Tennessee, so we must remain vigilant and practice good hand washing and respiratory etiquette skills,” said State Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Make sure the young and the elderly are washing their hands at every opportunity and staying home if they have flu symptoms like a fever, headache or a sore throat.”
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.
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/.