Press Release
OCTOBER 29th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE: 561-671-4013
FAX:
561-837-5197 |
PALM BEACH
COUNTY, FL - Palm Beach
County Health Department is
continuing its surveillance and
monitoring of the H1N1 Swine flu
virus. The County’s eighth
death was confirmed today in a 3
year old female with an
underlying illness. To date the
county has seen 78 persons
hospitalized with the virus and
32 of those people were admitted
to the ICU.
Health Department Director, Alina Alonso, M.D. said, “We are
deeply saddened to report the
death of such a young person.
Our sympathies go out to the
family of this child. I am also
asking all to remain alert to
the signs and symptoms of this
flu and seek medical attention
if the fever, coughs and sneezes
worsen.”
Experience with this virus shows this strain, like all
influenza, is unpredictable.
However, because novel H1N1 is a
new virus, many people may have
little or no immunity against
it, and illness may be more
severe and widespread as a
result. In addition, it is
recommended those at risk should
get the H1N1 vaccine to protect
against novel H1N1 virus.
At this time, the Health
Department along with the CDC
advises that businesses,
schools, day cares and the like
remain open if a case of H1N1 is
identified. These facilities
should follow the protocols they
have in place for any ill
person.
Dr. Alonso recommends the
following:
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or
school to avoid
spreading infections, including
influenza, to others in the
community.
-
Avoid close contact with
people who are coughing
or otherwise appear ill.
-
Avoid touching your
eyes, nose and mouth.
-
Cover your cough and
sneezes
-
Wash hands frequently to
lessen the spread of
respiratory illness.
-
Stay home if you are
sick.
If you think you have
influenza, please call your
health care provider or the
health department and
discuss whether you need to
be seen in their office,
emergency department or stay
home. Three websites are
also updated regularly
www.FightFluFlorida.com,
www.cdc.gov,
www.myflusafety.com
locally information can be
also obtained by calling 211
or 1- 888-411-4FLU (4358).
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