H1N1 cases in state have doubled

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Source: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/06/11/minn_flunumbers/

H1N1 cases in state have doubled
by Stephanie Hemphill, Minnesota Public Radio
June 11, 2009

St. Paul, Minn. ? The Minnesota Department of Health says the number of cases of H1N1 has more than doubled in the past week. There were 96 confirmed cases a week ago, and 221 today. Many more cases have not yet been tested.

Minnesota state epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield says some people who get the H1N1 virus are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea as well as sore throat, cough, and other symptoms.

"And some of the hospitalizations that we are seeing are because of dehydration, so we really want to urge that people have enough fluids," she said.

Lynfield says people with asthma or other underlying health problems are at special risk. The Health Department is urging anyone with symptoms to call their doctor and stay home from work.

The World Health Organization has declared the flu a pandemic, meaning it's widespread in many countries.

 

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Re: H1N1 cases in state have doubled

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=403681

State: Swine fle cases double; don't go to work if you're sick

6/11/2009 5:10:02 PM
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By Jeff Hansel
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

The Minnesota Department of Health says state H1N1 flu cases are increasing and that people who get sick should stay home from work.

"This new influenza is circulating throughout the state right now. Because a vaccine is not currently available, the most important thing you can do is take some simple precautions to prevent getting it or spreading it," state epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield said.

The Health Department says cases have more than doubled in the past week, "including an increase in hospitalizations, with 221 cases identified as of Thursday and 46 hospitalizations."

"Employers should tell their workers to stay home when they have influenza-like symptoms (a fever of 100 degrees or higher and a cough or sore throat) and also encourage them to consult with their physicians," said Larry Edmonson, Olmsted County's director of disease prevention and control. He said recommendations will change as the pandemic progresses.

"An average of 30 cases per day (of H1N1) have been identified over the past three days," the health department said Thursday. Most were not severe, and testing focused on hospitalized people.

Dehydration is the reason affected children were hospitalized. Others hospitalized include people with asthma and other chronic ailments.

"Most of the identified cases, including hospitalizations, have been in children, although patients have ranged in age up to 66 years," the Health Department says.

The state advises people to practice the usual flu precautions -- wash your hands, cough and sneeze into the elbow of your shirt, and limit contact with other people if they're sick or you're sick.

Also, Edmonson advised people with the flu to call before visiting their health provider.

"For example, the clinic may be using a special entrance. If the individual has a mask, they should put it on before entering the clinic to protect others around them," Edmonson said.

The state says people should call a health provider if symptoms occur in someone with a chronic illness, who is pregant, who is younger than 2 or older than 65, or who has been exposed to symptoms.

Sick children shouldn't be sent to day camps or other programs, Edmonson said.