First Case of Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

           

Press Release                               Date: May 8, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         

Media Contact:    Joe Bates
Phone:        (360) 676-6717, Ext. 52510
E-mail address:    JBates@co.whatcom.wa.us
       
       
WHATCOM’S FIRST NOVEL FLU CASE CONFIRMED

BELLINGHAM, WA— The first laboratory-confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in Whatcom County was reported today by the Washington Public Health Laboratory.  The case is a girl in her teens with no prior travel or exposure history.  She experienced minor illness and has recovered. According to Whatcom County Health Officer, Dr. Greg Stern, “We have been anticipating that we would confirm the presence of the new influenza virus in our community and have been preparing for this.”  Confirmed cases have been reported in neighboring Skagit County to the south and in the two nearest regional health authorities in B.C. to the north, Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health.

As the investigation of influenza A (H1N1) by CDC progresses, it appears that this new flu strain is similar to seasonal flu in symptoms, severity and treatment.

No school closures or other social distancing measures are recommended at this time.  The measures that have been recommended up until this confirmation are still applicable.  The health department will focus its surveillance efforts on tracking the extent of influenza disease in the community and monitoring it for changes in virulence.



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