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/