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Local man, 82, dies from H1N1 virus
By Diane Chun
Staff writer
Published: Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.
Alachua County has reported its second death from the novel H1N1 virus that is commonly called swine flu.
The victim was an 82-year-old man, a county resident, who had some pre-existing health problems that left him vulnerable to the H1N1 virus.
His name was not released by the Alachua County Health Department.
Paul Myers, assistant director of the health department, said the case did not involve a threat to the community and those closest to the resident who had likely been exposed are free of flu-like symptoms.
Most cases involving the H1N1 virus are mild.
As of late Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health reported a total of four Alachua County residents had been hospitalized with confirmed cases of swine flu. Two county residents have died.
Statewide, 670 Floridians have been hospitalized and 78 have died specifically of the H1N1 virus.
Alachua County is one of 10 counties where widespread flu activity is reported, from both seasonal influenza strains and the novel H1N1 virus. Lafayette and Suwannee counties are also reporting widespread flu.
Residents who feel ill with flu-like symptoms are asked to stay home from work or school.
Signs of the flu include a fever over 100 degrees, coughing or sneezing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and fatigue.
State and county health departments have established flu information hot lines. Throughout Florida, the toll-free number is 1-877-352-3581. In Alachua County, call 252-334-7981. Online information is offered at www.flu.gov.