Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapi..._second_s.html
Kent County announces second swine-flu related death
By Kyla King The Grand Rapids Press
October 30, 2009, 3:41PM
KENT COUNTY -- Kent County health officials say the passing of a 33-year-old man with no underlying health conditions is second death associated with the swine flu virus.
"This is the second time this month that influenza has caused a fatality, and this illustrates why we need to take the virus seriously," said Cathy Raevsky, county administrative health officer. "While the vast majority of people who catch the virus will recover fully and without complications, that's not always the case."
The man's name and details of his illness were not released.
Kent County's first H1N1-related death was announced last Friday. Cynthia Luke, 52, of Cutlerville, died Oct. 21 from heart disease and other health problems compounded by H1N1 flu.
This week, Ottawa County health officials reported that county's first swine-flu related death. Holland resident Ken Scholten, 54, was a developmentally disabled man with underlying health conditions.
So far, 10 H1N1-related deaths have been reported in Michigan, which is in the midst of an outbreak of the flu.
Health department officials say people with the flu do not need to see a doctor and should recover without medication unless their symptoms are unusually severe, or they are at increased risk because of other conditions.
People more likely to experience complications are children under 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with cancer, blood disorders and other illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Emergency warning signs in children are trouble breathing, bluish skin, dehydration, lethargy, irritability and fever with a rash.
Health department officials say people should get a 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Though, supplies have arrived slower than expected and hampered immunization efforts beyond health care workers and emergency responders.
About 5,200 does arrived in Kent County this week and were distributed to doctors and will likely go to priority groups like pregnant women, children and those with health conditions. State officials said Thursday a shipment of 635,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine had been ordered and was on its way to Michigan.
Kent County officials said as more vaccine becomes available, vaccine will be provided through doctors, pharmacies and public health clinics.
Check www.stickittotheflu.com or call the Flu Hotline at (616) 742-4FLU (4358) for frequent updates about vaccine availability.
Kent County announces second swine-flu related death
By Kyla King The Grand Rapids Press
October 30, 2009, 3:41PM
KENT COUNTY -- Kent County health officials say the passing of a 33-year-old man with no underlying health conditions is second death associated with the swine flu virus.
"This is the second time this month that influenza has caused a fatality, and this illustrates why we need to take the virus seriously," said Cathy Raevsky, county administrative health officer. "While the vast majority of people who catch the virus will recover fully and without complications, that's not always the case."
The man's name and details of his illness were not released.
Kent County's first H1N1-related death was announced last Friday. Cynthia Luke, 52, of Cutlerville, died Oct. 21 from heart disease and other health problems compounded by H1N1 flu.
This week, Ottawa County health officials reported that county's first swine-flu related death. Holland resident Ken Scholten, 54, was a developmentally disabled man with underlying health conditions.
So far, 10 H1N1-related deaths have been reported in Michigan, which is in the midst of an outbreak of the flu.
Health department officials say people with the flu do not need to see a doctor and should recover without medication unless their symptoms are unusually severe, or they are at increased risk because of other conditions.
People more likely to experience complications are children under 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with cancer, blood disorders and other illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Emergency warning signs in children are trouble breathing, bluish skin, dehydration, lethargy, irritability and fever with a rash.
Health department officials say people should get a 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Though, supplies have arrived slower than expected and hampered immunization efforts beyond health care workers and emergency responders.
About 5,200 does arrived in Kent County this week and were distributed to doctors and will likely go to priority groups like pregnant women, children and those with health conditions. State officials said Thursday a shipment of 635,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine had been ordered and was on its way to Michigan.
Kent County officials said as more vaccine becomes available, vaccine will be provided through doctors, pharmacies and public health clinics.
Check www.stickittotheflu.com or call the Flu Hotline at (616) 742-4FLU (4358) for frequent updates about vaccine availability.
Comment