South Carolina records first novel H1N1 flu-associated death

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2009

South Carolina records first novel H1N1 flu-associated death

COLUMBIA - South Carolina has recorded its first death associated with novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu), the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

?It saddens me greatly to report that a Midlands-area child died last week from complications associated with H1N1,? said DHEC Commissioner Earl Hunter. ?Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. This is a tragic reminder that this influenza virus is here, active in our state and can be deadly.?

Hunter said the child who fell victim to the new strain of flu had serious underlying health problems before contracting H1N1. More than 500 cases of novel H1N1 influenza have been confirmed in South Carolina since the disease was first reported in the state in April.

?The novel A H1N1 flu cases we?ve seen have been similar in severity to seasonal influenza,? said Jerry Gibson, M.D., chief of DHEC?s Bureau of Disease Control. ?It?s important to remember that seasonal influenza also kills thousands of people each year in this country. We strongly recommend that everyone take sensible steps to protect themselves.?

Gibson said those steps should include:

Washing your hands frequently;
Covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throwing away the tissue immediately and washing your hands, or using your upper sleeve if no tissue is available;
Staying home if you are sick;
Staying away from others who appear to be sick;
Strengthening your resistance to illness by eating properly, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest; and
Being alert for the upcoming availability of vaccine to fight novel H1N1 influenza.
Dr. Gibson said symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, contact your regular health care provider. For more information about novel H1N1 influenza, go to www.scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm

http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/news/2009/nr20090831-01.htm

[Niko]

Re: South Carolina records first novel H1N1 flu-associated death

Geographic area of "Midlands", SC. per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midlands_(South_Carolina)

The Midlands roughly refers to an area in the middle of South Carolina. This term is used mostly by Columbia-based media outlets that wish to appeal to audiences outside of the Columbia metropolitan area. Columbia is the largest city in the region and location of the state government. The midlands is the halfway point between the upstate and low country making it halfway between the mountains and beach.
Counties

There are eight counties included in the midlands area of South Carolina, but not limited to:

• Calhoun
• Fairfield
• Kershaw
• Lexington
• Orangeburg
• Richland
• Saluda
• Sumter

[Pathfinder]

Re: South Carolina records first novel H1N1 flu-associated death

"Hunter said the child who fell victim to the new strain of flu had serious underlying health problems before contracting H1N1"

This child underlying health problems didn't kill him, swine flu did.

[Shiloh]

Re: South Carolina records first novel H1N1 flu-associated death

Source: http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11029512


Father of swine flu victim: "It's just lonesome without him."
Posted: Sep 01, 2009 4:54 PM EST Updated: Sep 01, 2009 4:54 PM EST

By Jody Barr - email

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A Midlands family is coming to terms with the death of their son and how the H1N1 virus, better known as the swine flu, was a factor in his death.

It was only a week ago when Bobby McCormick called an ambulance to take his son, 12-year-old John, to the hospital.

John, born with cerebral palsy, was running a high fever that just wouldn't break.

"They checked him, said he had an ear infection and took the flu system and they didn't know it was the swine flu until they did the test and sent it off to DHEC and DHEC called us Tuesday evening, said he did have swine flu," said Bobby.

John died at home, the day after he left the hospital.

"When he was sick in the past, he'd fight it and fought, then got over with it and was just getting weaker," said Bobby. "I reckon his immune system just getting weaker on him where he couldn't fight no more."

We actually met the McCormicks in 2005 after they lost their home to fire.

John was seven years old at the time. He was doing well and attending school.

"He was laughing, carrying on; enjoyed life," said Bobby. "He enjoyed life, he enjoyed getting out of the house and going to the flea market, to Wal-Mart, anywhere. He enjoyed just to get out of the house and get outside."

Now, the McCormick's are left with memories of their son.

"It's just lonesome without him," said Bobby.

And a plea to other parents.

"Take them to the doctor and get them a good check-up and make sure they wash their hands and cover their mouth when they cough and sneeze and make sure they get a good check up," said Bobby.

[Shiloh]

Re: South Carolina records first novel H1N1 flu-associated death

Source: http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?...=77903&catid=2

12-Year-Old Swine Flu Fatality Victim Identified

Leesville (WLTX) -- The McCormick family is mourning the loss of 12-year-old John, a boy they say was a joy, whose death was the first confirmed H1N1-related fatality in South Carolina.

"His laugh," said father Bobby, when asked what he would miss most about his son, John.

"He enjoyed life while he was here."

John had just celebrated his twelfth birthday in mid-August. He was born with Cerebral Palsy and other serious medical issues. The birthday was a milestone some doctors never expected him to reach.

"They say he wasn't going to see ten, but he made it to twelve, and he was happy and everything with his family and friends, with brothers and sisters, he adored everybody."

One of four children, he loved his stuffed animals, and loved visiting flea markets and stores.

"Get him out in the wheelchair and wheel him around where he could look and he was happy doing that," Bobby McCormick said.

John became sick on Saturday, August 22 and Bobby took him to the hospital.

"He started running a fever, it would break and come back, break and come back," he said. "They say he had an ear infection and touch of the flu. They did a test, a swine test on him."

John was sent home, and died a day later. It was not until the day after his death that doctors called to tell the family John had tested positive for H1N1.

The family says parents should be vigilant.

"Get 'em checked 'cause when you lose one, that's rough."

The family asks for the community to keep them in their prayers. If you have donations, they may be sent to the Clyde's Chapel Southern Methodist Church in Batesburg-Leesville to help pay for funeral expenses.

Ashleigh Walters 9/1/2009 6:21:29 PM