Sarasota County, FL reports H1N1 Death

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First H1N1 (Swine) Flu death in a Sarasota County resident

Posted: July 16, 2009 09:12 AM
Updated: July 16, 2009 09:21 AM


SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sarasota County Health Department has received notification of an H1N1 (Swine) Flu-related death in a 22 year old male resident.

The number of confirmed cases is now 10.

While most cases of H1N1 (Swine) Flu are mild, there are exceptions. "This death is tragic and a sobering reminder that influenza is serious, and can be fatal. Our staff continues to monitor this disease in our community, and reminds residents to take precautions to avoid the flu," said William Heymann, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., medical executive director for the Sarasota County Health Department. People with respiratory illness should stay home, and away from work, day care or summer programs to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaners to reduce the spread of respiratory illness.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

People experiencing cough, fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and sore throat, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.

For more information, visit www.sarasotahealth.org. For flu information in Sarasota County, call the Flu Information Line at 941-861-2800 or visit a health kiosk at all libraries and Senior Friendship Centers throughout Sarasota County.

http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=10736967&nav=menu577_2

 

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Re: Sarasota County, FL reports H1N1 Death

'Healthy' 22-year-old dies from swine flu

By Anna Scott

Published: Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:21 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:21 p.m.

The 22-year-old Sarasota man who died of swine flu was "healthy" according to the doctor overseeing Sarasota County's health department.

"As far as we're aware he was a healthy individual otherwise and that?s certainly of concern," said Dr. William Heymann. "We know other illnessness can lead to increased morbidity and illness with swine flu, but this is an example of one where to our knowledge this isn't the case."

The man's illness was prolonged and he received medical treatment, according to county health officials.

His death marks the first swine flu death in the county and the 13th in the state. It was first annouced by county health officials earlier today. They would not disclose his name, the date of his death, or any other personal details. He died "several days ago," health officials said.

A source told the Herald-Tribune the man died in Tampa, but health officials could not confirm that. Also, authorities are looking into another possible death from swine flu: a patient recently died at Sarasota Memorial from complications from the flu, according to a hospital spokesperson. The hospital is waiting for state labs to confirm whether it was swine flu. No more details are available about that patient.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090716/breaking/907169959