News and Alerts
Posted: June 19, 2009
Contact: Mary Maddux-González, MD, MPH
Public Health Officer
(707) 565-4401
First H1N1-Related Death in Sonoma County
An elderly man with probable H1N1 influenza died today at a local hospital, Dr. Mary Maddux-González, Sonoma County Health Officer, announced today. The man had pre-existing medical conditions. Based on laboratory testing at the Sonoma County Public Health Lab yesterday afternoon, the individual is considered to be a probable case of H1N1 influenza and confirmatory tests are pending from the State Public Health Laboratory.
“We are saddened by the death of a member of our community and our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends.” Dr. Maddux continued, “His death is a reminder that even though most of the H1N1 cases in Sonoma County and the state have been mild or moderate, all flu viruses can be deadly and everyone should remain vigilant in helping to prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu.” Seasonal flu causes approximately 36,000 deaths and 220,000 hospitalizations nationally each year. So far this year there have been at least eight deaths due to H1N1 infection in California and at least 87 deaths in the United States.
Over the last week, Sonoma County Public Health officials reported an increase in the number of cases of H1N1 in Sonoma County. Dr Maddux added, “We anticipate that we will continue to see more cases over the next several weeks and months now that the H1N1 virus has become well established in California.”
H1N1 flu spreads the same way as seasonal flu, mainly through coughing or sneezing by infected people. The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of regular seasonal flu, with almost 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 H1N1 flu. State testing guidelines have been narrowed to focus on select high-risk groups since the virus is known to be circulating throughout California and the United States. Dr. Maddux-González urges community members to take the following steps to avoid becoming ill with the flu or passing it on to others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Get immunized against seasonal influenza this coming fall.
More information about H1N1 flu is available at:
Sonoma County Public Health: H1N1 (Swine) Flu website
California Department of Public Health: Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus website
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevnetion: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) website
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