County and WSU report first H1N1 influenza case

 

PULLMAN — The Whitman County Health Department and WSU Health and Wellness Services confirmed the first official case of H1N1 (swine origin) influenza in Whitman County. The infection was identified in a 19-year-old WSU student who became ill on May 19.

 

He was evaluated in WSU’s Health and Wellness Service on May 21 where initial screening showed infection with a Type A Influenza virus. Samples were obtained for further testing at the State of Washington Public Health Laboratory. Testing at the state lab confirmed the presence of H1N1 Influenza A virus on May 27.

 

U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu (8 a.m. May 27, 2009)

States* Confirmed and Probable Cases Deaths Alabama 67 cases 0 deaths Arkansas 12 cases 0 deaths Arizona 532 cases 3 deaths California 553 cases 0 deaths Colorado 68 cases 0 deaths Connecticut 102 cases 0 deaths Delaware 108 cases 0 deaths Florida 139 cases 0 deaths Georgia 28 cases 0 deaths Hawaii 44 cases 0 deaths Idaho 11 cases 0 deaths Illinois 927 cases 0 deaths Indiana 120 cases 0 deaths Iowa 71 cases 0 deaths Kansas 34 cases 0 deaths Kentucky** 38 cases 0 deaths Louisiana 86 cases 0 deaths Maine 9 cases 0 deaths Maryland 44 cases 0 deaths Massachusetts 286 cases 0 deaths Michigan 178 cases 0 deaths Minnesota 44 cases 0 deaths Mississippi 8 cases 0 deaths Missouri 24 cases 1 deaths Montana 12 cases 0 deaths Nebraska 35 cases 0 deaths Nevada 50 cases 0 deaths New Hampshire 27 cases 0 deaths New Jersey 29 cases 0 deaths New Mexico 97 cases 0 deaths New York 456 cases 2 deaths North Carolina 13 cases 0 deaths North Dakota 6 cases 0 deaths Ohio 15 cases 0 deaths Oklahoma 64 cases 0 deaths Oregon 120 cases 0 deaths Pennsylvania 95 cases 0 deaths Rhode Island 11 cases 0 deaths South Carolina 39 cases 0 deaths South Dakota 4 cases 0 deaths Tennessee 95 cases 0 deaths Texas 1358 cases 3 deaths Utah 122 cases 1 deaths Vermont 2 cases 0 deaths Virginia 25 cases 0 deaths Washington 575 cases 1 death Washington, D.C. 14 cases 0 deaths Wisconsin 1130 cases 0 deaths TOTAL*(48) 7,927 cases 11 deaths

The infected student, who lives off campus, was placed in isolation when H1N1 Influenza was suspected. He also was treated with antiviral medication and has made a complete recovery without complications. No secondary cases have been identified at this time.

 

“Health and Wellness Services at Washington State University did a wonderful job in this case,” said Dr. Timothy Moody, health officer for the Whitman County Health Department. “Not only did they identify and treat this student in an appropriate and rapid fashion, but took additional steps to prevent further spread of infection in the WSU community.”

 

“This news should be a reminder to our students, faculty and staff to be on the lookout for H1N1 influenza and to quickly report potential cases. Prompt treatment and isolation are important in limiting the severity of cases and the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Bruce Wright, director of WSU Health and Wellness Services.

 

H1N1 influenza, also previously called swine flu, is a novel influenza virus that has spread across the United States and around the world since its initial appearance the middle of last month. The Centers for Disease Control now reports more than 7,900 confirmed cases and 11 total deaths in the United States due to H1N1 Influenza. In Washington state, more than 570 H1N1 cases have been confirmed.

 

The World Health Organization today reported 13,398 confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection  in 48 countries, including 95 deaths. (See map below.)

 

“The take home message here is that H1N1 Influenza virus is definitely circulating in our community,” said Moody. “This just happens to be our first laboratory confirmed case.”

 

“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the strategy to prevent the spread of H1N1 infection remains the same as it has been since the beginning of this outbreak,” said Moody. “Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes or mouth. Cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue. Don’t share items you put in your mouth such as eating utensils, drinking cups or smoking materials. Stay away from school, work or crowds if you are sick with symptoms compatible with the flu, such as fever and cough. And call your health care provider first if you need medical care or evaluation for flu-like illness rather than sitting in office waiting rooms.”

 

The Whitman County Health Department has distributed antiviral medications from the U.S. national stockpile to area hospitals and pharmacies. These medications are available to medical providers and to patients identified with H1N1 influenza. Additionally, the Whitman County Health Department continues to keep health care providers informed regarding identification and reporting of illness related to H1N1 Influenza, treatment of infection, and procedures to limit further spread.

 

“It is too early to predict exactly what will happen with H1N1 Influenza into the future,” said Moody. “However, it is clear this new influenza virus is already here and will continue circulate in the population. Only time and experience will tell if H1N1 Influenza is potentially more serious than seasonal influenza. It is important that everyone continues to be aware of H1N1 and treat this new virus with respect.”

 

For more information on H1N1 influenza: