October 28, 2009
First Probable H1N1 Death Reported Here
Imperial County has had 189 confirmed H1N1 cases since April of 2009. This includes 32 hospitalizations and 149 outpatient cases.
The Imperial County Public Health Department has confirmed a middle aged male died earlier this month due to complications from the flu.The department has categorized the death as “a flu-related death- probable H1N1.”
The individual was admitted to a local emergency department on October 4th due to shortness of breath, fever and other flu-like symptoms. If the cause of death is due to the H1N1 virus, it would be the first death in Imperial County caused by the virus.
The man also had underlying health conditions. The Health Department did not disclose what those other conditions were.
Hospitalizations and deaths from the flu are expected to increase as the flu season progresses. In a typical season more than 30,000 Americans die from flu-related complications.
In a prepared statement, Dr. Stephen Munday, Imperial County Health Officer said the death is a stark reminder that the H1N1 virus, first known as the swine flu, is a serious medical condition that people need to be aware of.
“This sad occurrence in our community is a reminder that complications from the flu need to be taken seriously and as a community we need to continue to be vigilant and take the necessary steps to prevent the flu,” Munday said. “It is especially important that those that are at higher risk receive a seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine once it becomes available.”
This month the Public Health Department held three large-scale vaccination clinics for seasonal flu shots. As of this past weekend, more than 11,000 individuals have received a seasonal flu shot at a seasonal flu vaccination clinic or at a senior vaccination clinic. Currently, senior flu vaccination clinics continue in the community where individuals fifty years of age and older can get vaccinated against seasonal flu.
The H1N1 nasal spray is currently available in limited quantities in Imperial County with local pediatricians. The H1N1 nasal spray is available for healthy children between the ages of two and 18. Parents are highly encouraged to contact their pediatrician if interested in getting the H1N1 nasal spray for their child.
It is expected that the H1N1 flu shot will start arriving at the end of this week. The first groups that will be vaccinated for H1N1 will be school-age children, pregnant women, and health care workers. Every school district in Imperial County has agreed to host an H1N1 vaccination clinic.
Imperial County has had 189 confirmed H1N1 cases since April 2009. This includes 32 hospitalizations and 149 outpatient cases.
To reduce the risk of spreading or becoming infected with this or any other type of flu, take the following precautions:
- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
- Children with flu-like symptoms should stay home to avoid spreading illness to classmates and staff.
- Keep children home until at least 24 hours after the child no longer has a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
-Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.
For more information on the upcoming H1N1 vaccination clinics at school sites parents should contact their child’s school in the next couple of weeks. For general information on flu prevention in Imperial County please call the Imperial County Flu Information Hotline at (760) 482-4968 or email Sonia Contreras at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
To view the Imperial County Public Health Department Web site, click HERE