First MN H1N1 Death Reported

[wotan]

http://www.chaskaherald.com/news/public-safety/first-minnesota-death-associated-h1n1-106

The Minnesota Department of Health sent out this press release on the afternoon of June 15:
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced that a Twin Cities area child who was infected with the H1N1 novel influenza virus has died. The child, who had underlying medical conditions, was briefly hospitalized and died late last week. Laboratory tests subsequently determined that the child had the H1N1 novel influenza.
?Our sympathies go to the family and loved ones of the child who died,? said State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield. ?For most people, the H1N1 flu is causing mild illness; however, it can still be very serious, especially for people with underlying health conditions. That?s why we continue to monitor the situation very closely.?
To date, MDH officials have confirmed 274 cases of the novel virus in Minnesota, including this case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 45 deaths from the virus across the country.
?This flu is very widespread, and we expect to see many more cases across the state,? Lynfield said. ?That?s why we continue to urge people to take simple precautions to prevent getting it or spreading it.?
Standard prevention recommendations include:
* Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
* Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly ? with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub solution.
* Clean your hands after shaking hands or having other close contact with other people ? before eating or preparing food, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

 

[appleblossom]

Re: First MN H1N1 Death Reported

More info:


5-year-old Minneapolis girl with swine flu dies


5-year-old Minneapolis girl who was infected with the new strain of swine flu -- but also had other underlying medical conditions -- has died, the Minnesota Department of Health and the family said today.

It is Minnesota's first reported death associated with the flu outbreak.

The child was hospitalized briefly and died last week, the department said. Laboratory tests subsequently determined that the child had the H1N1 novel influenza.

The department did not immediately say what role the flu played in the death of the child, who was not identified.

"Our sympathies go to the family and loved ones of the child," state epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield said in a release.

The girl's mother, who confirmed that H1N1 was involved in her daughter's death but asked that her family's identity not be revealed, said her daughter "was born with a genetic condition" that left her "medically fragile" and with a "suppressed immune system." She declined to elaborate.

The girl, who received regular health care at home, suffered "respiratory distress" on Wednesday and died the next day at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota in Minneapolis, the mother said.

"The minute we walked in, [health care providers at Children's] were under the impression that it was influenza," the mother said, recalling when her daughter was seen Wednesday.

The mother said she wants the public to know that her daughter was a prime candidate for succumbing to H1N1. "I just don't want people to panic," she said.

The girl was attending pre-K as a special-needs student and "was an excellent communicator," despite requiring a tracheotomy until age 4, the mother said.

Speaking for her and her husband, the mother described their daughter as a "joyful, amazing gift that we are grateful to have in our life."

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/48080847.html