Japan:
Boy, 4, seriously ill with new-flu infection
(Aug. 13, 2009)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090813TDY02306.htm
MITO—A 4-year-old boy infected with the new H1N1 strain of influenza has developed acute encephalopathy and is being treated at an intensive care unit of a hospital in Ibaraki Prefecture, according to the prefectural government.
A prefectural government official said the condition of the boy, from the south of the prefecture, has been described as serious and he has been put on an artificial respirator.
According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, it is the first time a person has been confirmed as being seriously ill due to the new flu.
According to the prefectural government, the boy has had flu symptoms including a cough since Sunday morning. On Monday morning, he registered a fever of 38.5 C and he was rushed to a hospital by ambulance in the afternoon after he suffered a seizure and fell semiconscious.
The result of a checkup Tuesday confirmed he was infected with the new flu and he was undergoing treatment at the ICU.
The child and his family have never traveled abroad, the prefectural government official said.
MA:
State takes extra steps to battle flu in fall
Deputizes dentists, others to help with vaccinations
By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff | August 13, 2009
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/08/13/state_asks_volunteers_to_aid_flu_vaccinations/?s_campaign=8315