Thursday, October 22, 2009

The ninth death in Kansas of a person infected with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed by state public health officials.

The death occurred in a 62-year-old man from northeast Kansas who had underlying health conditions that put him at greater risk for serious complications from the virus. The H1N1 virus was determined to be a contributing factor in the man’s death. Laboratory testing conducted yesterday confirmed that the man had the H1N1 virus.

KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby and Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, Kansas State Health Officer, expressed sympathy and offered their deepest condolences to the man’s family.

“This death reminds us that this virus can be extremely severe for people with underlying health conditions,” Dr. Eberhart-Phillips said. “As more vaccine becomes available across the state we hope everyone who is able will choose to get vaccinated. Until that time, it is very important that people take seriously the potential dangers of the disease and recognize the importance of working towards preventing its further spread.”

The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain people who are at greater risk from H1N1 flu receive the vaccine earlier than others, as the amount of H1N1 vaccine is currently very limited. Those who should receive the vaccine first include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons 6 months through 24 years of age, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for H1N1 flu because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

The symptoms of infection with the pandemic H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people who have been ill with pandemic H1N1 influenza have recovered without medical treatment.