http://www.kmph.com/Global/story.asp?S=11036749&nav=menu612_2
Kings County Reports First H1N1 Death
Posted: Sep 2, 2009 04:59 PM
Updated: Sep 2, 2009 04:59 PM
Kings County, CA- Kings County Health Officials are reporting their first H1N1 related death.
"H1N1 influenza has claimed the life of a retired Kings County woman, " said Kings County Health Officer Michael Mac Lean on Wednesday.
The victim is one of five county residents who've been hospitalized because of the virus. The identity of the victim was not released.
County Health Officials say the worst could still be on it's way with the H1N1 virus. Due to the fact that the typical flu season doesn't peak until mid-winter, officials are gearing up to plan for an upswing in cases.
They say that a H1N1 vaccine is in development and if all goes well it could be in Kings County by November. However the priority for the vaccine will go in the following order:
* Children ages six months to four years-old
* Children five through 17 with medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications
* People who live with or take care of infants
* Pregnant women
* Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
So far there have been 128 H1N1 related deaths in the State of California. Kings County Health officials are urging residents to take the following precautions to avoid catching the H1N1 virus:
* Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow
* Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
* Avoid close contact with sick people
* Avoid attendance at large gathering
You can find more information on the H1N1 virus at http://www.countyofkings.com/Health/index.html or by calling 582-3211.
Kings County Reports First H1N1 Death
Posted: Sep 2, 2009 04:59 PM
Updated: Sep 2, 2009 04:59 PM
Kings County, CA- Kings County Health Officials are reporting their first H1N1 related death.
"H1N1 influenza has claimed the life of a retired Kings County woman, " said Kings County Health Officer Michael Mac Lean on Wednesday.
The victim is one of five county residents who've been hospitalized because of the virus. The identity of the victim was not released.
County Health Officials say the worst could still be on it's way with the H1N1 virus. Due to the fact that the typical flu season doesn't peak until mid-winter, officials are gearing up to plan for an upswing in cases.
They say that a H1N1 vaccine is in development and if all goes well it could be in Kings County by November. However the priority for the vaccine will go in the following order:
* Children ages six months to four years-old
* Children five through 17 with medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications
* People who live with or take care of infants
* Pregnant women
* Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
So far there have been 128 H1N1 related deaths in the State of California. Kings County Health officials are urging residents to take the following precautions to avoid catching the H1N1 virus:
* Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow
* Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
* Avoid close contact with sick people
* Avoid attendance at large gathering
You can find more information on the H1N1 virus at http://www.countyofkings.com/Health/index.html or by calling 582-3211.