Butler County man dies of swine flu
Updated 1:23 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009
HAMILTON ? A Butler County man in his 40s, who was infected with swine flu, died Monday, June 29, the Ohio Department of Health announced today.
This is the first Ohio death linked to the pandemic strain of influenza. The patient had underlying health problems that may have contributed to his death.
The H1N1 infection was confirmed at the ODH laboratory today, July 2.
ODH did not provide additional details about the man.
Officials said they are now trying to learn how many were in contact with the man to determine whether public health interventions are necessary.
?Our hearts go out to this man?s family and loved ones,? said ODH Director Dr. Alvin D. Jackson.
?This is a sad, and not entirely unexpected event as influenza and its complications cause some 3,000 deaths annually in Ohio, ranking it among the top 10 causes of death. We continue to urge Ohioans to take proper precautions and will monitor the situation closely.?
As of Wednesday, July 1, the ODH reported 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases in Ohio, including four in Butler County.
Worldwide, there have been 332 deaths caused by the virus also known as H1N1, including 127 in the United States, according to the World Health Organization.
Officials urge residents to take the following actions to help stay healthy:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.
As of Wednesday, July 1, the ODH reported 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases.
Updated 1:23 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009
HAMILTON ? A Butler County man in his 40s, who was infected with swine flu, died Monday, June 29, the Ohio Department of Health announced today.
This is the first Ohio death linked to the pandemic strain of influenza. The patient had underlying health problems that may have contributed to his death.
The H1N1 infection was confirmed at the ODH laboratory today, July 2.
ODH did not provide additional details about the man.
Officials said they are now trying to learn how many were in contact with the man to determine whether public health interventions are necessary.
?Our hearts go out to this man?s family and loved ones,? said ODH Director Dr. Alvin D. Jackson.
?This is a sad, and not entirely unexpected event as influenza and its complications cause some 3,000 deaths annually in Ohio, ranking it among the top 10 causes of death. We continue to urge Ohioans to take proper precautions and will monitor the situation closely.?
As of Wednesday, July 1, the ODH reported 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases in Ohio, including four in Butler County.
Worldwide, there have been 332 deaths caused by the virus also known as H1N1, including 127 in the United States, according to the World Health Organization.
Officials urge residents to take the following actions to help stay healthy:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.
As of Wednesday, July 1, the ODH reported 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases.