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Arkansas - Seasonal flu 2013/2014

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  • Arkansas - Seasonal flu 2013/2014

    Source: http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story...rk622ST4IXhitQ


    Two Cases of Swine Flu Reported in Arkansas
    09/13/2013 16:24 PM
    09/13/2013 16:30 PM

    LITTLE ROCK, AR (ADH News Release) - Two people in Arkansas have been infected with a strain of influenza (flu) known as H1N1(v) after contact with swine (pigs). These cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    ?A few times a year an animal variant of the influenza virus is identified in humans? said Dr. Dirk Haselow, State Epidemiologist. ?Viruses of this type typically cause only mild illness in those affected and, in contrast to seasonal flu, are not easily transmitted from person to person? added Haselow. ADH has carefully monitored the patient contacts for several days without evidence of any human to human spread. Both patients identified to date have recovered fully...

  • #2
    Re: AR: 2 cases of H1N1v reported

    [Source: Arkansas Department of Health, full page: (LINK).]


    Friday, Sep 13, 2013

    Swine Flu Variant in Arkansas


    Little Rock -- Two people in Arkansas have been infected with a strain of influenza (flu) known as H1N1(v) after contact with swine (pigs). These cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    ?A few times a year an animal variant of the influenza virus is identified in humans? said Dr. Dirk Haselow, State Epidemiologist. ?Viruses of this type typically cause only mild illness in those affected and, in contrast to seasonal flu, are not easily transmitted from person to person? added Haselow. ADH has carefully monitored the patient contacts for several days without evidence of any human to human spread. Both patients identified to date have recovered fully.

    When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine is detected in a person, it is called a variant influenza virus and is labeled with a ?v?. Influenza viruses such as H1N1(v) and other related variants are not unusual in swine and can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. When humans are in close proximity to live swine, such as in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs, movement of these viruses can occur back and forth between humans and animals.

    ?We are not currently aware of any additional human influenza cases caused by H1N1(v) and do not anticipate making any new public health recommendations regarding human exposure to swine. However, we will continue to assess the situation and conduct aggressive surveillance for additional influenza cases? Haselow emphasized.

    Influenza has not been shown to be transmitted by eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs.

    "ADH has been carefully following all suspected cases of influenza. We have also worked closely with our veterinary colleagues and the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission to remain informed about potential infections in swine. It is because of this careful surveillance that these cases have come to our attention,? said Haselow.

    Case investigations have indicated that the illnesses resulting from H1N1(v) infection have been similar to seasonal influenza. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, decreased energy, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Contact your health care provider if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and inform the doctor if you have had contact with swine.

    To prevent the spread of other infections you can get from animals, the following precautions are recommended:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and running water. Particularly after contact with animals. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
    • Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in areas where animals are present, and don?t take food or drink into areas where animals are housed.
    • Never take toys, pacifiers, spill-proof cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into areas with animals.
    • Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill.
    • Children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune and nervous systems) are at higher risk for serious complications of infections. These people should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and other animals at petting zoos and barns during fair season.
    Contact: Office of Health Communications and Marketing: Ed Barham, 501-280-4147


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    • #3
      Arkansas: 7 flu deaths confirmed in state

      Source: http://www.couriernews.com/view/full...irmed-in-state

      7 flu deaths confirmed in state
      by Jeanette Anderton
      07:00 AM, Wednesday, January 01 2014

      As of Tuesday, seven Arkansans died from the flu in the first month of the flu season.

      Pam Sellers, administrator of the Pope County Health Unit, said flu shots are still available...

      Comment


      • #4
        3 more flu deaths last week, Ark. total flu deaths now 10

        3 more flu deaths last week, Ark. total flu deaths now 10

        The flu claimed three more lives last week, bringing the total number of confirmed flu deaths in the state to ten.

        Last year was the worst year on record for flu deaths. But Arkansas Department of Health officials said Tuesday this flu season, which began at the end of September, is on track to be even worse with 3,800 cases reported. 1,400 of those cases occurred last week.

        "Unfortunately we expect more deaths," said Dirk Haselow, the state epidemiologist with the Dept. of Health.

        Haselow said the victims have been in an unusual group for flu-related deaths: seven of the ten were between the ages of 25 and 64.

        ...more

        "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

        Comment


        • #5
          State?s flu deaths reach 13; strain attacks young, healthy

          State?s flu deaths reach 13; strain attacks young, healthy
          By Teresa Moss

          Arkansas? death toll from the flu increased to 13 after the confirmation of three deaths Thursday, said Cathy Flanagin, director of health communications for the state Department of Health.

          Arkansas’ death toll from the flu increased to 13 after the confirmation of three deaths Thursday, said Cathy Flanagin, director of health communications for the state Department of Health.
          "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

          Comment


          • #6
            AR: Flu monitored at Newport women's prison after inmate death

            Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/24433449/...r-inmate-death


            Flu monitored at Newport women's prison after inmate death
            Posted: Jan 13, 2014 10:23 AM EST Updated: Jan 13, 2014 11:16 AM EST

            NEWPORT, AR (KAIT) ? Extra medical staff have been called in to monitor the flu at the McPherson Unit in Newport.

            Weekend visitations were cancelled at the prison after the death of one woman inmate Saturday morning, according to Shea Wilson, Public Information Officer with the Arkansas Department of Correction.

            Wilson tells Region 8 News the woman did have flu-like symptoms, but it was not confirmed the woman died of the flu...

            Comment


            • #7
              AR- Health Dept.: Flu causing severe illness, death in young adults; 15 deaths total this season

              Source: http://www.thv11.com/news/article/29...n-young-adults


              Health Dept.: Flu causing severe illness, death in young adults
              1:14 PM, Jan 13, 2014 |

              (LITTLE ROCK) - This year's flu season is causing severe illness and death in adults between the ages of 25 and 50. Seven out of the 15 deaths this season in Arkansas have occurred in adults between the ages of 25 and 50, and multiple hospitalizations in this group have been reported. It is highly recommended that all individuals in this age group receive a seasonal flu vaccine and promptly visit a doctor should they experience severe flu-like symptoms...

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: AR: Flu monitored at Newport women's prison after inmate death

                2 inmates test positive for flu at Arkansas prison


                LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ? Visitation hours are canceled at a northeast Arkansas women's prison after a 42-year-old inmate died after suffering from flu-like symptoms.


                The Arkansas Department of Correction says nearly 900 inmates at the McPherson Unit near Newport were screened for influenza, and two inmates tested positive for the disease. The inmate who died Saturday did not test positive for the flu, but officials say additional tests are pending.

                Correction department spokeswoman Shea Wilson says flu shots are available to all inmates, but the woman who died chose not to get the vaccine this season.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: AR- Health Dept.: Flu causing severe illness, death in young adults; 15 deaths total this season

                  [Source: State of Arkansas Department of Health, full page: (LINK).]
                  Monday, Jan 13, 2014


                  Health Department Warns Flu Causing Severe Illness (Adults Aged 25-50 Should Get Vaccinated)


                  Who: Dr. Dirk Haselow, State Epidemiologist, Medical Director for Communicable Disease, ADH; Dr. James Phillips, Physician Specialist and Former Branch Chief of Infectious Disease, ADH

                  What: News Conference

                  When: 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 13

                  Where: Media Briefing Room, 5th floor, 4815 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205

                  Why: This year?s flu season has shown to be particularly severe for adults between the ages of 25 and 50 years old, leading to severe illness, hospitalizations and death. It is highly recommended that all individuals in this age group receive seasonal flu vaccinations.

                  Note: All media attending the press conference will be required to check in at the guard?s desk at the main entrance of the Markham building.

                  Contact: Office of Health communications and Marketing
                  Kerry Krell, 501-661-2150


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                  • #10
                    Re: AR- Health Dept.: Flu causing severe illness, death in young adults; 15 deaths total this season

                    [Source: Arkansans Department of Health, full page: (LINK).]


                    Monday, Jan 13, 2014

                    Health Department Warns Flu Causing Severe Illness, Death in Young Adults

                    Adults Aged 25-49 Should Get Vaccinated


                    Little Rock -- This year?s flu season is causing severe illness and death in adults between the ages of 25 and 50. Seven out of the 15 deaths this season in Arkansas have occurred in adults between the ages of 25 and 50, and multiple hospitalizations in this group have been reported.

                    It is highly recommended that all individuals in this age group receive a seasonal flu vaccine and promptly visit a doctor should they experience severe flu-like symptoms.

                    The most frequently seen flu strain this year is H1N1, which disproportionately affects young to middle-aged adults and pregnant women.

                    There are multiple factors that may explain why younger, healthier people are affected this year.

                    One observation is that only 30% of individuals in this age group have been vaccinated against seasonal flu this year.

                    That leaves over 650,000 unvaccinated Arkansans in this age group unprotected from the flu.

                    Individuals who are pregnant or in this age category may experience a rapid onset of symptoms that quickly progress to severe illness.

                    Flu symptoms include: fever over 100 degrees, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, dry cough, and runny or stuffy nose.

                    If you have flu symptoms and experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, or pain or pressure in the chest, seek medical care as quickly as possible.

                    ?An unusually high number of young to middle-aged adults are being hospitalized or dying of flu this season,? Nate Smith, M.D., MPH, State Health Officer and Director of the Arkansas Department of Health said. ?This is not something we typically see during an average flu season.?

                    ?We can?t stress enough how critical it is for all individuals to get vaccinated --especially if you?re in this age group,? Smith added. ?We know the flu vaccine isn?t 100 percent effective, but it truly can mean the difference between a mild to moderate illness and death.?

                    The flu virus is spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching a hard surface with the virus on it, then touching the nose or mouth. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. You can also help reduce your risk of flu by washing hands frequently and avoiding those who are sick.

                    Flu vaccine is available at pharmacies, doctors? offices, and local health units statewide. If you visit a local health unit to get a flu vaccine, please bring your insurance cards with you. If you do not have insurance, the vaccine will be free.

                    For more information about flu, go to http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/flu.htm.

                    For More Information Contact: Office of Health Communications and Marketing. Kerry Krell, (501) 661-2150


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                    • #11
                      Re: AR- Health Dept.: Flu causing severe illness, death in young adults; 15 deaths total this season

                      pH1N1 Drug Resistance & Vaccine Escape
                      CDC Fall 2013


                      <div style="text-align: center;">
                      <hr style="width: 30%;" />29 Cases over 32 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
                      Introduction

                      In the week from 2013-11-22 to 2013-11-29, the&nbsp;<span style="color: #783f04;"><b>United States CDC</b></span>&nbsp;released or updated a total of 32&nbsp;<b><span style="color: #632423; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;;">pH1N1</span></b>&nbsp;sequences at&nbsp;<strong>GISAID&nbsp;</strong>on 29 human cases<strong>&nbsp;</strong>sampled from July 2013 to November 2013. Geographic surveillance includes&nbsp;<b>America,</b>&nbsp;<b>India&nbsp;</b>and<b>&nbsp;Hong Kong.&nbsp;</b>

                      . . .

                      Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
                      Investigational Analytic
                      including Genetic Details

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: State?s flu deaths reach 13; strain attacks young, healthy

                        pH1N1 Drug Resistance & Vaccine Escape
                        CDC Fall 2013


                        <div style="text-align: center;">
                        <hr style="width: 30%;" />29 Cases over 32 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
                        Introduction

                        In the week from 2013-11-22 to 2013-11-29, the&nbsp;<span style="color: #783f04;"><b>United States CDC</b></span>&nbsp;released or updated a total of 32&nbsp;<b><span style="color: #632423; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;;">pH1N1</span></b>&nbsp;sequences at&nbsp;<strong>GISAID&nbsp;</strong>on 29 human cases<strong>&nbsp;</strong>sampled from July 2013 to November 2013. Geographic surveillance includes&nbsp;<b>America,</b>&nbsp;<b>India&nbsp;</b>and<b>&nbsp;Hong Kong.&nbsp;</b>

                        . . .

                        Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
                        Investigational Analytic
                        including Genetic Details

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Arkansas - Seasonal flu 2013/2014

                          Update: Flu Deaths Rise to 21

                          "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Arkansas - Seasonal flu 2013/2014

                            Update: Flu Deaths Rise to 22

                            The number of flu deaths this season has increased to 22 as of this Friday...

                            "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Arkansas - Seasonal flu 2013/2014

                              Fort Smith Woman Battles H1N1





                              The community has rallied behind a Fort Smith woman who is in critical condition after she was diagnosed with H1N1.

                              Leslie Creekmore, 29, was admitted to Mercy Fort Smith on Jan. 11 after she started running a fever and suffered shortness of breath. She was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, said her sister-in-law, Jamie Cook.

                              Her condition quickly worsened. Creekmore was transferred to the ICU that night, and by Monday, was placed on a ventilator because of complications from double pneumonia. She was flown Tuesday to St. Louis for further treatment, Cook said.

                              Doctors took a blood sample from Creekmore and confirmed Thursday that she had been infected with H1N1, which led to the double pneumonia, Cook said.

                              Also Thursday, Creekmore lost her baby.


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