News and Alerts
Posted: May 6, 2009
Contact: Mark Netherda, MD
Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer
707-565-4401
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Second Probable Case of H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Sonoma County
May 6, 2009 - Sonoma County Public Health officials were notified this afternoon of a second probable case of H1N1 (swine flu) involving a female child with a history of recent travel to Mexico. The child is an extended family member of the adolescent confirmed as Sonoma County's first case on Sunday, May 3. Based on her travel history and the timing of her illness, it is believed that the child was infected in Mexico, rather than through contact with her infected relative. The child has not attended school or daycare since returning from Mexico. Her illness has been mild and she is recovering well. In making the announcement, Deputy Health Officer Dr. Mark Netherda noted, "We fully anticipated that we would see some additional cases in Sonoma County. Fortunately, this case, as with other cases in California, has been mild."
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of regular seasonal flu, with over 90 percent of confirmed cases presenting with fever and most cases having a cough and or sore throat. Other symptoms can include body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting with H1N1 flu.
Most people with H1N1 flu have had mild symptoms and have recovered fully. However, there have been two deaths reported in the United States from H1N1 flu, both involving individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Dr. Netherda again emphasized the need for continued efforts to prevent flu transmission, highlighting simple preventive actions that everyone can take.
- 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.
People who are sick with flu symptoms 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.
More information about H1N1 flu available at:
Sonoma County Public Health website
CDPH Swine Flu website
CDC Swine Flu website
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