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Source: http://www.romeoobserver.com/story.asp?storyid=15068
H1N1 deaths in Macomb
County rise to three
by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer
Macomb County's death count related to the H1N1 virus has risen after a woman died on June 17.
As of June 23, the death toll in Michigan has reached seven, with three of the deaths occurring in Macomb County. But health officials say there is no reason to panic about the disease, also known as the "swine flu," as it is no more dangerous than the common flu.
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced a 63-year-old woman died due to the H1N1 virus. The other confirmed Macomb County deaths were a 28-year-old male and a 53-year-old female. Details about the victims beyond their age have not been released.
A total of 53 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 have been reported in Macomb County, adding to the state's total of 655. James McCurtis, spokesperson for MDCH, said the numbers are growing in Michigan, though most of the cases have been mild.
Even with the growing numbers, he said people haven't heard about it as much lately since they are beginning to understand the virus better.
"We're still hearing about deaths, but not in droves," he said. "The amount of coverage was necessary so people could understand the potential harm the H1N1 can do."
Phil Frame, a spokesperson for Macomb County, said the deaths in Macomb County occurred due to underlying health conditions.
"Despite three deaths, there is no reason for people to be overly concerned, even though it is continuing into the summer, which is unusual," he said. "It's no more of a problem than the typical strain of flu."
According to the Center for Disease Control, a total of 27,698 cases have been reported in the United States as of June 26, resulting in 127 deaths. In Puerto Rico there are 18 cases, and one in the Virgin Islands.
The World Health Organization bumped the pandemic level to phase 6 due to the number of reported global cases, though the level is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity, said the CDC Web site.
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported symptoms.
The H1N1 virus is what scientists have called a "quadruple reassortment" virus, as it has two genes from flu viruses found in pigs from Europe and Asia along with avian genes and human genes.
For more information about the H1N1 virus, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
H1N1 deaths in Macomb
County rise to three
by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer
Macomb County's death count related to the H1N1 virus has risen after a woman died on June 17.
As of June 23, the death toll in Michigan has reached seven, with three of the deaths occurring in Macomb County. But health officials say there is no reason to panic about the disease, also known as the "swine flu," as it is no more dangerous than the common flu.
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced a 63-year-old woman died due to the H1N1 virus. The other confirmed Macomb County deaths were a 28-year-old male and a 53-year-old female. Details about the victims beyond their age have not been released.
A total of 53 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 have been reported in Macomb County, adding to the state's total of 655. James McCurtis, spokesperson for MDCH, said the numbers are growing in Michigan, though most of the cases have been mild.
Even with the growing numbers, he said people haven't heard about it as much lately since they are beginning to understand the virus better.
"We're still hearing about deaths, but not in droves," he said. "The amount of coverage was necessary so people could understand the potential harm the H1N1 can do."
Phil Frame, a spokesperson for Macomb County, said the deaths in Macomb County occurred due to underlying health conditions.
"Despite three deaths, there is no reason for people to be overly concerned, even though it is continuing into the summer, which is unusual," he said. "It's no more of a problem than the typical strain of flu."
According to the Center for Disease Control, a total of 27,698 cases have been reported in the United States as of June 26, resulting in 127 deaths. In Puerto Rico there are 18 cases, and one in the Virgin Islands.
The World Health Organization bumped the pandemic level to phase 6 due to the number of reported global cases, though the level is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity, said the CDC Web site.
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported symptoms.
The H1N1 virus is what scientists have called a "quadruple reassortment" virus, as it has two genes from flu viruses found in pigs from Europe and Asia along with avian genes and human genes.
For more information about the H1N1 virus, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu