H1N1 flu victim collapsed on way to hospital [Latest H1N1 updates downthread]

Schools see rise in absenteeism - OR

From Staff Reports
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 | No comments posted.

Cover that cough. Wash those hands.

That’s the advice of teachers and administrators in Bay Area schools who are keeping doors open despite high absentee rates. North Bend schools have been hit hardest, though Coos Bay teachers also noticed fewer students in their classrooms Monday.

Principal Ralph Brooks reported 258 students were absent Monday from North Bend Middle School, which carries a student body of 573.

“We’re trying very hard to stay ahead of it, but at the middle school today, we had a lot of kids absent,” said Superintendent BJ Hollensteiner at a Monday meeting.

Hillcrest Elementary also had its own share of absentees, with about 115 sick children out of 575, reported Principal Bruce Martin.

Martin and Brooks said sick kids’ parents reported influenza-like illnesses.

Absences are not as widespread among students in the Coos Bay School District. There were 80 students absent Monday at Sunset Middle School, where the student body is 450, a secretary said. And there was a similar number of absences at Millicoma Intermediate School, though in both cases not all those absences were due to illness.

Teacher absences at the two schools have been minimal, secretaries said.

Angie Webster, one of two Coos Bay district nurses, said the number of absences are in line with a normal flu season.

Hollensteiner said there are hand sanitizers available in classrooms, cafeterias and bathrooms for students to use at the schools. Disinfectant wipes have also been passed out to use on doorknobs and the like.

The North Bend superintendent said classes will continue as usual unless too many teachers call in sick. She explained that if there aren’t enough substitute teachers to fill those positions, schools could close.

http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2009/10/13/news/doc4ad4b9782c3a6632938785.txt

October 13, 2009
District closes Cleveland Elementary
Published today

The Emery County School District has made the decision to close Cleveland Elementary School after today, October 13th, for three days, October 14-16. School will open again on Monday the 19th.

Cleveland Elementary School is a small rural school with a student population of 187 students. Cleveland has had nearly 50% student absenteeism the last two days due to student illness. The illnesses being reported are varied and are not all related to H1N1 virus. The local health department is also working with community and church leaders to curtail community and church related activities involving children who attend Cleveland Elementary School for the next several days. The School District has also asked parents to keep children home during the school closure and to curtail activities that allow students to congregate with friends or in groups.

While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend school closure to control the spread of the flu (the idea being that it is better to keep healthy kids in school and have sick kids stay home), the school district feels that the rate of illness at the school is disrupting education and that it would be better to close for a few days to allow students to heal and return to school on Monday, October 19th.

While other schools are not currently experiencing the same rate of illness that Cleveland Elementary has seen, the district, in consultation with the Health Department, will assess the need to close schools on a school-by-school basis. The district is also advising their schools to be cooperative and flexible with students and parents with regard to providing homework and with attendance policies during this flu season.

http://www.ecprogress.com/index.php?tier=1&article_id=8373

17th death due to H1N1 virus reported in Alabama

Posted: Oct 13, 2009 1:30 PM EST Updated: Oct 13, 2009 1:30 PM EST

MONTGOMERY, AL (WAFF) - Officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that another death due to the H1N1 virus has been confirmed, bringing the statewide total to 17.

ADPH officials said the latest fatality was a man in his 50’s from Cherokee County.

Previous deaths of persons positive for H1N1 influenza have occurred during 2009 to residents of Bullock, Calhoun, Dale, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Macon, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Russell and Talladega counties.

State officials said that when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, locations, dates and times of clinics will be announced at http://www.adph.org. WAFF 48 News and WAFF.com will also have the latest news about vaccinations in the Tennessee Valley.

http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=11306461

Five of seven Ohio deaths tied to H1N1 occurred in Franklin CountyReporting requirements make count difficult
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 2:48 PM
By Misti Crane
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The Ohio Department of Health now knows of five deaths in Franklin County attributed to the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, said spokesman Kristopher Weiss.

As of today, seven deaths have been counted in the state, he said.

A true count of deaths due to the virus is impossible, because there’s no requirement by federal, state or local health officials that adult deaths associated with H1N1 be reported.

All pediatric deaths are supposed to be reported. Health officials from Columbus and Franklin County announced the first pediatric death in the state last week after a 14-year-old Columbus boy died at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Four adult deaths, including the death of a pregnant woman, have now been reported by health officials here.

Additional H1N1 vaccine, including some shots, arrived at Columbus Public Health today, according to spokesman Jose Rodriguez.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/10/13/h1n1_web.html?sid=101

More Die From Swine Flu in Ark.

Updated: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2009, 3:38 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 13 Oct 2009, 3:38 PM CDT

Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The Arkansas Health Department says two more people in the state have died from complications of swine flu.

The deaths announced Tuesday bring the state swine flu total to nine.

The Health Department says it has received vaccine for the swine flu. It is being first distributed to children and pregnant women, groups which are vulnerable to flu complications. Health units and some doctors offices are administering those vaccines.

Public school students are to be vaccinated for seasonal and swine flu from Oct. 14 through December. Mass flu clinics for both vaccines will be held in every county statewide on Oct. 29-31.

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/health/101309_2_More_Die_From_Swine_Flu_in_Ark

First Scott County H1N1 death confirmed - KY

Matthew Finger
By Elizabeth Sehon
Georgetown News-Graphic
Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:14 PM EDT

Scott County’s first H1N1 death was confirmed this morning, the county’s coroner John Goble said.

The 39-year-old man, Matthew Finger of Georgetown, had no underlying health conditions and died at his sister’s home, Rebecca Finger, sister of the deceased, said.

Finger died Saturday, Oct. 3, making him the first to die in an “uncontrolled setting,” Goble said.

He is the only male to die of the H1N1 virus out of the six Kentucky deaths.

*
The H1N1 confirmation did not come until today and Goble said the man had not been under a doctor’s care.

Finger had only complained of a headache the night before his death, Rebecca Finger told the News-Graphic.

“He wasn’t overweight. He was just healthy that way,” she said.

Crystal Caudill, MPH, Public Health Director said getting vaccinated is the No.1 way to prevent the flu.

“We are saddened by the news of this death. We will continue our strong community efforts in taking necessary steps to prevent the flu this season and hope that people in the community will continue as well,” Caudill said.

For the full story, check out Thursday’s News-Graphic.

http://www.georgetownnews.com/articles/2009/10/13/news/doc4ad4df2ef1a57326257982.txt

Second H1N1 death in Manatee County - FL

Posted: Oct 13, 2009 03:10 PM
Updated: Oct 13, 2009 03:10 PM

BRADENTON - The Manatee County Health Department has received notification of its second H1N1 (Swine) Flu-related death in a 37-year-old female resident.

The patient had underlying medical conditions that put her at greater risk of complications from flu.

“We offer our sincere condolences to this individual’s family and friends for their loss.” said Dr. Jennifer Bencie, Administrator, Manatee County Health Department.

“While most cases of H1N1 Swine Flu are mild, there are exceptions. Pre-existing health conditions often play a role in how individuals react to the flu. Some people are at higher risk for complications from the virus and are strongly encouraged to call their health care providers if they experience flu-like symptoms. These include people with underlying chronic health conditions, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young.

H1N1 Swine Flu, like seasonal flu, can in some circumstances be very serious, therefore, all of us should continue to adhere to good health practices including, staying home from school or work if sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently.”

On Monday, August 24th, Florida Department of Health launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine flu. The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole. Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581.

Up to date information on the H1N1 flu & what you can do can be found at www.MyFluSafety.com

http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=11307237

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/13/health/AP-US-MED-Swine-Flu.html?_r=1

Near Half of Swine Flu Patients Otherwise Healthy

Published: October 13, 2009
Filed at 2:39 p.m. ET

ATLANTA (AP) — The largest U.S. analysis of hospitalized adult swine flu patients has found almost half were healthy people who did not have asthma or any other chronic illnesses before they got sick. Health officials released the surprising results at a news conference on Tuesday, noting that 46 percent of 1,400 hospitalized adults did not have a chronic underlying condition.

2nd Confirmed H1N1 Death in Pueblo County - CO

The Pueblo City-County Health Department will be holding a news conference this evening regarding the second death due to the H1N1 virus in the past week in the county.
Posted: 3:24 PM Oct 13, 2009
Reporter: KKTV
Email Address: news@kktv.com

The Pueblo City-County Health Department will be holding a news conference this evening regarding the second death due to the H1N1 virus in the past week in the county.

At this point, the only details being released are that the victim was a young adult.

Stay with KKTV 11 News and KKTV.com for more on this health announcement in Pueblo. We’ll bring you an update on 11 News at 5:30 p.m.

http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/64144972.html

County has first death attributed to swine flu - MD

By DAVE McMILLION
October 12, 2009
davem@herald-mail.com

HAGERSTOWN — A patient at Washington County Hospital has died of H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, according to Washington County Health Department spokesman Rod MacRae.

MacRae said Monday night the death was the first associated with swine flu in the county, as far as health officials know.

MacRae said he was notified of the death Monday, but he did not know when the patient died or if the deceased was male or female.

MacRae said communicable disease experts from his department will look into the death and more details will be gathered. He said he did not know whether that information will be released due to patient confidentiality issues.

MacRae said his department will contact the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene about the death and more information might be released Tuesday.

MacRae said the public needs to realize that “any flu” can be serious and that seasonal flu alone causes about 36,000 deaths a year in the United States.

There is nothing to indicate that swine flu is more serious than seasonal flu, MacRae said.

“It’s just an extra one we have to contend with,” MacRae said.

There have been nine swine flu deaths in Maryland since June 1 and 217 hospitalized cases due to the disease, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Web site.

Washington County Hospital officials could not be reached for comment Monday night.

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=232174&format=html

(( Here’s another article about the swine flu leading your body to
pneumonia and then congestive heart failure ))

Swine Flu Victim Was Dedicated Husband, Dad - MD

Reported by: Adam Winer
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 @06:38pm EDT

HAGERSTOWN, MD - A truck driver from Hagerstown with four children is Washington County’s first victim of the swine flu.

Kendall Stoner, 45, died at Washington County Hospital on Sunday.

“Wednesday, I took him to the ER,” his wife Lisa told NBC25. “In 11 days, he lost his life.”

She says he first complained of a sore throat and fatigue. It turned into pneumonia and then congestive heart failure.

Lisa Stoner says her husband was very conscious of germs and constantly carried hand sanitizer.

“Even that didn’t save his life,” she said.

His son Aaron is a familiar name in local sports. He was a star baseball player for North Hagerstown High School. He says his father was always in the stands.

“He was my biggest fan,” Aaron said. “He wanted the best for me. He’ll be watching me every day. He’ll be my guardian angel for the rest of my life.”

The Stoners were married for 20 years and had four children, ages 10 through 24. His funeral is Friday at Douglas Fiery Funeral Home.

http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=83462

Possible Swine Flue Death in Great Falls - MT

Story Published: Oct 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM MDT
(Story Updated: Oct 13, 2009 at 5:22 PM MDT )

Medical officials claim a person who showed symptoms of the swine flu died in Great Falls this weekend.

Multimedia Watch The Video The name, age, and gender of the person are not being released at this time.

Those at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services say a sample will undergo testing at the state public health laboratory in Helena to confirm the official cause of death.

News of another swine flu death in the state would not be surprising considering the increasing number of occurrences statewide, and the Department of Health and Human Services wants to remind Montanans to keep the numbers in perspective.

State health officials want to emphasize that there is no reason to speculate about a third possible swine flu death until test results are in.

Still, in light of recent events and to help curb the spread of the flu, Benefis is temporarily permitting hospital visitation only to those 18 and older.

http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/64159852.html

South student hospitalized with flu - IL

October 13th, 2009 · District 58, District 99, Public health

A South High School student has been hospitalized with a confirmed case of H1N1 flu and a second South student with a probable case is being treated at home.

In an email release today, D99 said school districts have been told by the DuPage County Health Department to expect more cases as the flu spreads throughout the county. Both local school districts are monitoring attendance and will consider closing schools if absenteeism spikes.

In the meantime, the schools are observing recommended measures for containing the spread of the virus, including emphasizing hand-washing, cleaning and sanitizing heavily used surfaces, installing hand sanitizers and asking students and staff to remain at home if they have a fever or other flu symptoms.

Now an editorial note: It’s possible to contain the spread of a virus only if everyone cooperates. Please keep your kids at home if they are sick. The school districts can make this task easier if they relax some of the more punitive results of missing school.

Given the potential for this virus to become more serious, it also may be prudent to develop ways for students to continue their studies at home in the event it’s necessary to close the schools for a period of time. Like a lot of parents, I won’t wait for the districts to make that call if I feel H1N1 is a serious threat to our kids’ health.

http://www.dgreport.com/index.php/2009/10/13/south-student-hospitalized-with-flu/

Columbia County Student Dies From Complications Of Swine Flu (Georgia)
http://www2.wjbf.com/jbf/news/state_regional/georgia/article/local_student_dies_from_complications_of_the_flu/30921/

Columbia County, GA—The the last class that Summer Rockfeller was part of was at Euchee Creek Elementary School.

Wanda Golosky, Principal, Euchee Creek Elementary School: “As her teachers and fellow students remember her she, was light-hearted.”

According to the principal, Summer was only enrolled at the school for 14 days in August, before she was admitted to the hospital. Columbia County Coroner Vernon Collins tells us she died Saturday at an Atlanta children’s hospital. Collins confirms that Summer had a previous medical condition, not the flu, and that she died because of complications of influenza and pneumonia. Golosky says children at Euchee Creek have nothing to worry about.

Wanda Golosky: “This has been more the six weeks and we’ve got the attendance records that indicate clearly that children did not come in contact with her during the time of contagion.”

This case has some parents asking questions about the H1N1 and seasonal flu…

Dr. Jim Wilde with MCG (Medical College of Georgia) says now that swine flu vaccines are available; children with pre-existing conditions should take advantage.

Dr. Jim Wilde, MCG Health: “Children less than age two, anybody with underlying significant medical problems such as severe asthma, severe lung disease, severe cardiac disease patients with diabetes patients on dialysis and a few others.”

But, Dr. Wilde says the H1N1 vaccine does not protect you from the seasonal flu.

Dr. Jim Wilde: “Seasonal flu strains are not in town, yet. They probably will be by December…January.”

Dr. Wilde says there is a big difference between the two types of H1N1 vaccine.

Dr. Jim Wilde: “The nasal form of the vaccine, it’s actually a live virus. It’s a very much weakened form of the virus, but it’s a live virus. It stimulates your immune system in a couple of different ways. The injectable form of the virus, the shot, is a kill virus you can not get flu from the vaccine thats begin injected but it only stimulates your immune system in one particular way.

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