Manatee reports 1st death attributed to swine flu

[B.C.]

Manatee reports 1st death attributed to swine flu


Published: September 25, 2009

A 27-year-old woman is the first person in Manatee County to die from swine flu.

The woman had underlying medical conditions that put her at greater risk of complications from flu, according to the Manatee County Health Department.

"While most cases of H1N1 swine flu are mild, there are exceptions.

Pre-existing health conditions often play a role in how individuals react to the flu," department administrator Jennifer Bencie said in a news release.

The Florida Department of Health provides updates on swine flu in several languages by calling 1-877-352-3581 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Through Sept. 19, Florida had recorded 89 deaths attributed to swine flu, according to the Florida Department of Health.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/25/manatee-reports-1st-death-attributed-swine-flu/news-breaking/

[Pathfinder]

Re: Manatee reports 1st death attributed to swine flu

27-year-old female is Manatee County's 1st H1N1 death

Posted: Sep 25, 2009

BRADENTON -

Manatee County reported it's first swine flu death Friday. Health officials say the victim had underlying medical conditions that put her at risk.

"The death occurred in a 27-year-old female and it occurred in one of local hospitals." That's the only information epidemiologist Ron Cox will give about Manatee County's first reported swine flu death. He says most cases of H1N1 swine flu are mild, but there are exceptions.

Pre-existing health conditions often play a role in how individuals react to the flu. Some people are at higher risk for complications from the virus. "The outcome can be more severe in these people," says Cox.

He says the swine flu is considered widespread in Manatee County. He says 98% of the flu cases in Manatee County are swine flu. "We're not able to put a number on it, but we're able to get it from different points in Bradenton, or in the county so to speak. In other words, physicians in west Bradenton, physicians in east Bradenton, south Bradenton...they're reporting, and that's the way we get the information to say it's all over the county then."

He says you are more likely to die from seasonal flu than you are from swine flu. He says everyone should continue to adhere to good health practices, including staying home from school or work if you're sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently.

He says that doesn't mean avoid going out in public. "We encourage people to go out and do things that they would normally do. However, we encourage them to take precautions and so forth."

For the most up to date information on the H1N1 flu and what you can do go, visit www.myflusafety.com/.

http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=11197606