Washington County has first death attributed to A/H1N1 flu

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Source: http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=disp...74&format=html

County has first death attributed to swine flu
By DAVE McMILLION
October 12, 2009
davem@herald-mail.com

HAGERSTOWN ? A patient at Washington County Hospital has died of H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu, according to Washington County Health Department spokesman Rod MacRae.

MacRae said Monday night the death was the first associated with swine flu in the county, as far as health officials know.

MacRae said he was notified of the death Monday, but he did not know when the patient died or if the deceased was male or female.

MacRae said communicable disease experts from his department will look into the death and more details will be gathered. He said he did not know whether that information will be released due to patient confidentiality issues.

MacRae said his department will contact the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene about the death and more information might be released Tuesday.

MacRae said the public needs to realize that ?any flu? can be serious and that seasonal flu alone causes about 36,000 deaths a year in the United States.

There is nothing to indicate that swine flu is more serious than seasonal flu, MacRae said.

?It?s just an extra one we have to contend with,? MacRae said.

There have been nine swine flu deaths in Maryland since June 1 and 217 hospitalized cases due to the disease, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Web site.

Washington County Hospital officials could not be reached for comment Monday night.

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Re: Washington County has first death attributed to A/H1N1 flu

Source: http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=83462

Swine Flu Victim was Dedicated Husband, Dad
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 @05:05pm EDT


HAGERSTOWN, MD - A truck driver from Hagerstown with four children is Washington County's first victim of the swine flu.

Kendall Stoner, 45, died at Washington County Hospital on Sunday.

"Wednesday, I took him to the ER," his wife Lisa told NBC25. "In 11 days, he lost his life."

She says he first complained of a sore throat and fatigue. It turned into pneumonia and then congestive heart failure.

Lisa Stoner says her husband was very conscious of germs and constantly carried hand sanitizer.

"Even that didn't save his life," she said.

His son Aaron is a familiar name in local sports. He was a star baseball player for North Hagerstown High School. He says his father was always in the stands.

"He was my biggest fan," Aaron said. "He wanted the best for me. He'll be watching me every day. He'll be my guardian angel for the rest of my life."

The Stoners were married for 20 years and had four children - ages 10 through 24. His funeral is Friday at Douglas Fiery Funeral Home.