News and Alerts
Posted: May 1, 2009
Contact: Mark Netherda, MD
Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer
707-565-4401
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First Probable Case of A (H1N1)/Swine Flu in Sonoma County
Press Briefing at 12:00 PM Today
May 1, 2009 - Tests conducted at the Sonoma County Public Health Laboratory indicate a probable first case of A (H1N1) flu (swine flu) in Sonoma County. A probable case means that preliminary tests indicate infection with a flu virus that is different from regular seasonal flu viruses and further testing for A (H1N1) flu virus are necessary. Confirmatory tests will be conducted by the state lab in the next few days. An adolescent girl, with recent travel history to Mexico, was seen earlier this week by her primary care physician for flu-like symptoms. She was treated and is currently recovering at home. This is the first probable case of A (H1N1) flu (swine flu) in Sonoma County. As a precaution, household members have been advised to remain at home to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus to others. The girl is a student at a Sonoma County public school, but due to her illness, had not attended classes since returning to Sonoma County. Therefore, no school dismissals are necessary at this time.
While this first probable case does not meet the criteria for dismissal, additional cases could trigger dismissal of one or more Sonoma County schools, generally for a minimum of seven days. Public Health officials have met with school district administration to review the process for school dismissal, should that become necessary.
Dr. Mark Netherda, Deputy Health Officer for Sonoma County explained, "A (H1N1) flu virus, like the seasonal flu, spreads from person-to-person. We expected that it was only a matter of time before we had a case in Sonoma County." He continued, "We are fortunate that this case and cases in other parts of California have been fairly mild."
A (H1N1) flu spreads the same way as seasonal flu, mainly through coughing or sneezing by infected people. The symptoms of A (H1N1) flu are similar to those of regular seasonal flu, with all confirmed cases presenting with fever and most cases having a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting with A (H1N1) flu. Most people who have become sick with A (H1N1) flu have had mild symptoms and have recovered fully. However, there have been some deaths reported from A (H1N1) flu. Anyone with severe or prolonged symptoms should contact his or her doctor.
There is currently no preventive vaccine for this flu. However, anti-viral medications (Tamiflu and Relenza) are effective in treating it this flu and are being recommended for individuals who are at high risk for complications from the flu.
Dr. Netherda emphasized, "Now that we have evidence that A (H1N1) flu virus is present in Sonoma County, prevention efforts to reduce the spread of the disease are even more important. Controlling the spread of an infectious disease like A (H1N1) flu is a shared responsibility - individuals have a key role in reducing their own likelihood of getting infected."
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
People who are sick with flu should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading illness to others. Dr Netherda cautioned "Do not send your child to school if he or she is sick." Individuals with severe flu symptoms should seek medical care from their health care provider.
Although no school dismissals or event cancellations are planned, Dr. Netherda explained that additional cases in Sonoma County are likely, "In that event, some schools may be dismissed and large public gatherings may be discouraged to prevent the spread of infection. As always, it is a good idea for the public to plan for child care, business continuity or care for a family member who has become ill."
The A (H1N1) flu situation is rapidly evolving. Sonoma County Department of Health Services continues to respond to daily changes in the scope and spread of the illness. Beginning with notification of the first human cases in the United States last week, County officials have worked quickly to update local health care providers and educate the public about steps individuals and the community can take to prevent the spread of A (H1N1) flu. County officials have also implemented a Flu Pandemic Plan, working with cities, emergency services, health care providers and others organizations to create a coordinated response to A (H1N1) flu in Sonoma County.
More information about A (H1N1) flu available at:
Sonoma County Public Health website
CDPH Swine Flu website
CDC Swine Flu website
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