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Source: http://www.enctoday.com/news/lenoir-...ials-h1n1.html
LMH confirms H1N1 flu death
Victim suffered several underlying health conditions
October 14, 2009 12:00 AM
Sarah Campbell
Staff Writer
Lenoir Memorial Hospital officials confirmed Lenoir County?s first H1N1 influenza-related death Tuesday.
The virus, which has sparked a nationwide immunization offensive as winter approaches, reportedly contributed to the death of a 50-year-old Kinston man.
Lenoir County Health Director Joey Huff received notice from the hospital Friday that a patient admitted earlier with an influenza diagnosis had died.
?Based on the information (provided), it was determined that the death was probably flu-related, but not the cause of death,? he said.
Huff said the individual also was diagnosed with several underlying conditions and risk factors.
The hospital refused to release the victim?s name due to federal privacy laws, but sources familiar with the case confirmed the man?s identify for The Free Press.
The death certificate filed Monday lists bleeding leading to shock and erosions of blood vessels as the cause of death. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea and renal failure also were listed as significant conditions contributing to death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 37 states, including North Carolina, are reporting widespread influenza activity, which the CDC called ?very unusual? for this time of year. ?Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses,? the CDC reports on its Web site devoted to information about the disease, also known as swine flu.
Sarah Campbell can be reached 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.
LMH confirms H1N1 flu death
Victim suffered several underlying health conditions
October 14, 2009 12:00 AM
Sarah Campbell
Staff Writer
Lenoir Memorial Hospital officials confirmed Lenoir County?s first H1N1 influenza-related death Tuesday.
The virus, which has sparked a nationwide immunization offensive as winter approaches, reportedly contributed to the death of a 50-year-old Kinston man.
Lenoir County Health Director Joey Huff received notice from the hospital Friday that a patient admitted earlier with an influenza diagnosis had died.
?Based on the information (provided), it was determined that the death was probably flu-related, but not the cause of death,? he said.
Huff said the individual also was diagnosed with several underlying conditions and risk factors.
The hospital refused to release the victim?s name due to federal privacy laws, but sources familiar with the case confirmed the man?s identify for The Free Press.
The death certificate filed Monday lists bleeding leading to shock and erosions of blood vessels as the cause of death. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea and renal failure also were listed as significant conditions contributing to death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 37 states, including North Carolina, are reporting widespread influenza activity, which the CDC called ?very unusual? for this time of year. ?Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses,? the CDC reports on its Web site devoted to information about the disease, also known as swine flu.
Sarah Campbell can be reached 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.