First Whatcom County Influenza Associated Death     

        


BELLINGHAM, WA—A 67-year-old female with multiple medical conditions was diagnosed with influenza A when admitted to St. Joseph Hospital last week. She passed away this morning from causes other than influenza. However, her death will be reported to the Washington State Department of Health as the first influenza-associated death in Whatcom County this season.

According to Health Department Director and Incident Commander, Regina Delahunt, “Our hearts go out to the family for their loss. The health department encourages everyone to get the vaccine as soon as it is available to them. Right now we are focusing our limited vaccine supply on high risk groups.” These groups include:

•    Pregnant women
•    Healthcare providers and emergency responders who directly care for ill individuals
•    Household contacts and childcare providers for infants less than 6 months of age
•    Children ages 6 months through 4 years
•    Children ages 5 years to 18 years with medical conditions (such as: asthma, heart disease, immune disorders, or neurological conditions) that put them at risk for flu complications

It is anticipated that by late November there will be enough H1N1 vaccine in the community to offer it to anyone who wants to be vaccinated.

There are currently two H1N1 flu clinics scheduled for high risk groups in Whatcom County, 10/28 in Bellingham and 10/29 in Deming.  The H1N1 Vaccine Clinic Call Center Line is now open 1:00 to 6:00 pm on 10/22, 10/23, 10/24, 10/26, and 10/27 to schedule appointments for those in highest priority groups. If you are in one of these groups, please phone the Call Center at (360) 778-8170 to schedule your appointment.  If you have other questions regarding vaccine availability or other H1N1 influenza question please visit www.em.whatcomcounty.org.  The call center line is experiencing high volumes of call so please be patient.

Since H1N1 vaccine is not as yet available in quantities needed to fully meet demand for the vaccine, it is particularly important—especially for people in these priority groups—to seek medical attention early if they have flu-like symptoms. If you become ill with a flu like illness contact your health care provider right away to find out if antiviral medications are right for you.
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Early use of antiviral medications can effectively reduce the potential complications of influenza. There is an adequate commercial supply of antiviral medication available and Whatcom County also has supplies in reserve to be used if commercial become unavailable.

This information is provided by the Whatcom Pandemic Joint Information Center. For updated information on H1N1 clinic schedules and additional H1N1 resources, visit www.em.whatcomcounty.org or contact pio@em.whatcomcounty.org or phone (360) 778-8170.

Joe Bates
Whatcom County
voice: (360) 676-6707 x52510
voice: (360) 220-6654
311 Grand Ave
Bellingahm, Wa 98225
jbates@co.whatcom.wa.us

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