Re: NJ DoH Reports 16 Total Deaths
From the Gloucester County Times:
Swine flu kills Gloucester County man
Friday, August 07, 2009
By Pete McCarthy
pmccarthy@sjnewsco.com
Gloucester County's first death from swine flu has been confirmed as a 66-year-old Clayton man who died in June.
The name of the man, who died one day after being admitted on June 23 to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, was not released by authorities.
There was an underlying medical condition that was not disclosed, according to Gloucester County spokeswoman Debra Sellitto.
"The thing to remember is that every year during seasonal flu season, there are many deaths," said Scott Woodside, director of nursing for the Gloucester County Department of Health and Senior Services. "One death in Gloucester County from influenza is not cause for alarm."
According to Woodside, 36,000 Americans die each year from seasonal flu. Since this is a new strain of the virus, however, there are some uncertainties.
"I think the fact we are in a pandemic should concern residents," said Woodside. "Even though the disease has been mild, it doesn't mean illness can't occur."
Following the Clayton man's death, tests were conducted at a Pennsylvania public health lab to confirm if the man had died from the H1N1 virus.
The death was reported Wednesday by the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services on its Web site.
Gloucester County officials first learned of it on Thursday. Sellitto said she had no other information on the death.
The state has now reported 16 deaths from swine flu and confirmed 977 cases. There have been 15 confirmed cases in the county.
Salem and Cumberland counties have had three and 17 confirmed cases respectively. No deaths have been reported in those counties.
According to the Center for Disease Control, influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
This H1N1 virus is a new strain and does not yet have antibodies to fight it, said Woodside. For that reason, people are asked to be vigilant.
Officials encouraged residents to take basic precautions, including: cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; wash hands often with soap and water; avoid touching your face; and stay home when sick.
"We're fortunate this hasn't been a severe strain to this point," said Woodside. "That doesn't mean we're not going to be vigilant. We're still educating people and making plans for the future."
A common spot for spreading the flu bug has been in the classroom. With schools readying to get back in session, Gloucester County Schools Superintendent Dr. H. Mark Stanwood said he is ready to offer a public information campaign for parents and students.
"We want to be cautious, but we don't want to overreact and cause fear," Stanwood said when contacted on Thursday. "Generally speaking, because this is a form of flu, healthy individuals who come in contact with it are likely to fight it off."
