Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Monday, Nov. 16, 2009
Pocahontas woman's death at 18 attributed to H1N1 virus
The death of an 18-year-old Bond County woman is tentatively being attributed to the H1N1 influenza virus.
Brooke L. Williams, 18, of Pocahontas, died Nov. 5 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland after she was rushed from her home in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 9:28 p.m., according to Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn.
Initial tests indicated Williams was negative for the virus, but an autopsy and subsequent tests indicated an H1N1 infection. The Illinois Department of Public Health Communicable Disease lab confirmed the presence of the virus on Nov. 13, according to Nonn, however, investigation into the cause of Williams' death continues. The results of routine toxicology tests are not yet complete.
Family members reported Williams had complained of headache, backache, muscle weakness and vomiting on Nov. 5 and was taken to Greenville Regional Hospital in Greenville where she was initially found to be negative for the swine flu virus.
Williams had a medical history that included cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. She is reported to have had suffered seizures the day she died, Nonn reported.
Derrick Keel, 45, was the first H1N1 flu virus-related death in Madison County. Keel, an over-the-road truck driver, died Aug. 21.
Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza include fever, cough, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and runny nose.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult with a medical professional. The best treatment for influenza continues to be prevention with frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and staying at home when sick.
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/1011383.html
Pocahontas woman's death at 18 attributed to H1N1 virus
The death of an 18-year-old Bond County woman is tentatively being attributed to the H1N1 influenza virus.
Brooke L. Williams, 18, of Pocahontas, died Nov. 5 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland after she was rushed from her home in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 9:28 p.m., according to Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn.
Initial tests indicated Williams was negative for the virus, but an autopsy and subsequent tests indicated an H1N1 infection. The Illinois Department of Public Health Communicable Disease lab confirmed the presence of the virus on Nov. 13, according to Nonn, however, investigation into the cause of Williams' death continues. The results of routine toxicology tests are not yet complete.
Family members reported Williams had complained of headache, backache, muscle weakness and vomiting on Nov. 5 and was taken to Greenville Regional Hospital in Greenville where she was initially found to be negative for the swine flu virus.
Williams had a medical history that included cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. She is reported to have had suffered seizures the day she died, Nonn reported.
Derrick Keel, 45, was the first H1N1 flu virus-related death in Madison County. Keel, an over-the-road truck driver, died Aug. 21.
Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza include fever, cough, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and runny nose.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult with a medical professional. The best treatment for influenza continues to be prevention with frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and staying at home when sick.
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/1011383.html