Roehl_JC
Moderator
EL PASO -- Two more people have died after contracting the H1N1 virus, health officials said Wednesday.
The latest to die were a 45-year-old West Side woman and a 60-year-old Fabens man. In all, 15 residents of El Paso County have died this year after being diagnosed with swine flu, though many of them had other health problems.
In the most recent cases, the man and woman had been hospitalized with influenza-like illness and also had underlying medical conditions.
Health officials withheld their names, and would not disclose the dates of death or specific underlying health conditions.
Pat Fowler, interim deputy director of the city Department of Public Health,, said a recent spike in deaths did not mean the H1N1 virus was taking a stronger hold of the public.
"It's on a very definite downswing," he said.
The health department has been tracking the number of influenza-like cases at schools and emergency rooms, and Fowler said both have reported significant decreases. Specific figures were not available Wednesday.
Fowler said he did not know whether the dip in swine flu cases would continue.
As word of the two newest deaths spread, it heightened the nervousness already felt by many El Pasoans.
East Side resident Marshall Sosa spent time Wednesday calling around to track down a dose of the vaccine for his mother.
"She's elderly and she runs around. I don't want something happening to her," he said.
Sosa and his immediate family recently received their
H1N1 vaccinations at University Medical Center.
Fowler said getting vaccinated is one of the best steps people can take to avoid contracting the virus. The city plans to reoffer appointments for people to get the vaccine when it receives more doses. It recommends that people also contact their regular health-care providers about whether they have the vaccine.
"The flu can be a very serious illness in some people, especially those who may have some underlying medical conditions," Fowler said. "Whether it's the seasonal flu or H1N1, it can be serious and that's why it's so important to get the vaccine if you can."
In addition, the health department stressed the importance of practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering the nose and mouth completely with tissue or the crook of the arm when sneezing or coughing; staying home when sick; and avoiding people who are sick.
Erica Molina Johnson may be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132
http://www.elpasotimes.com/health/ci_13868808
The latest to die were a 45-year-old West Side woman and a 60-year-old Fabens man. In all, 15 residents of El Paso County have died this year after being diagnosed with swine flu, though many of them had other health problems.
In the most recent cases, the man and woman had been hospitalized with influenza-like illness and also had underlying medical conditions.
Health officials withheld their names, and would not disclose the dates of death or specific underlying health conditions.
Pat Fowler, interim deputy director of the city Department of Public Health,, said a recent spike in deaths did not mean the H1N1 virus was taking a stronger hold of the public.
"It's on a very definite downswing," he said.
The health department has been tracking the number of influenza-like cases at schools and emergency rooms, and Fowler said both have reported significant decreases. Specific figures were not available Wednesday.
Fowler said he did not know whether the dip in swine flu cases would continue.
As word of the two newest deaths spread, it heightened the nervousness already felt by many El Pasoans.
East Side resident Marshall Sosa spent time Wednesday calling around to track down a dose of the vaccine for his mother.
"She's elderly and she runs around. I don't want something happening to her," he said.
Sosa and his immediate family recently received their
H1N1 vaccinations at University Medical Center.
Fowler said getting vaccinated is one of the best steps people can take to avoid contracting the virus. The city plans to reoffer appointments for people to get the vaccine when it receives more doses. It recommends that people also contact their regular health-care providers about whether they have the vaccine.
"The flu can be a very serious illness in some people, especially those who may have some underlying medical conditions," Fowler said. "Whether it's the seasonal flu or H1N1, it can be serious and that's why it's so important to get the vaccine if you can."
In addition, the health department stressed the importance of practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering the nose and mouth completely with tissue or the crook of the arm when sneezing or coughing; staying home when sick; and avoiding people who are sick.
Erica Molina Johnson may be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132
http://www.elpasotimes.com/health/ci_13868808