Baltimore, MD (July 8, 2009) - A second death of a Baltimore metro area adult with serious underlying medical conditions has been confirmed to be associated with novel H1N1 influenza virus, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). As before, personal details about the case, including specific underlying health conditions, will not be released to protect the privacy of the resident and the resident’s family.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports as of July 2 that 170 people nationwide have died after contracting novel H1N1 influenza. In the Mid-Atlantic region, Virginia has reported two H1N1 flu-related deaths and Pennsylvania has reported four.   

“Once again, we extend our sympathy to the family and friends of the second Maryland resident to pass away from an H1N1 flu-related illness,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “This will be Maryland’s ‘Summer of Flu’ with influenza activity expected throughout the state - particularly in Central Maryland. Even though it's a time of year when we don’t normally see much influenza, we know novel H1N1 will continue to be around through the summer and into the fall. Because of this, we want to make sure that people with underlying medical conditions who are more prone to complications, check in with their healthcare providers if they develop influenza-like illnesses.” 

Nationwide, as of July 2, CDC reports more than 33,902 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 influenza. To date, 686 cases of novel H1N1 have been confirmed in Maryland. That figure is considered a fraction of the total H1N1 flu cases statewide.  Many people who become ill with flu-like symptoms are not tested and recover within a week’s time, much like seasonal flu. H1N1 continues to respond to common antiviral medications that lessen the severity of illness. To date, a small percentage of confirmed H1N1 cases have required hospitalization.  

“We expect more flu and unfortunately as with seasonal flu, that will mean more deaths.  Despite the time of year, healthcare providers should continue to think of influenza as a possibility for patients with influenza-like illness and manage them accordingly,” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health. “Although we haven't seen any evidence of the virus changing here in Maryland, we join our healthcare partners and continue to monitor locally, nationally, and internationally for any such changes.” 

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include chills, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea or shortness of breath. 

Based on CDC figures, it is estimated that 1,000 Marylanders die every year from seasonal flu or its complications. Complications and death are more common among those with serious underlying health conditions. 

According to the CDC, people at a higher risk of serious health consequences from the H1N1 flu virus are the same as those with seasonal flu:  

• Children less than 5 years old

• Persons aged 65 years or older

• Pregnant women

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders

• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)

• Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection

As with seasonal flu, the best protection from contracting or spreading the novel H1N1 flu virus is to practice good personal hygiene: 

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose

• If you have flu symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing

• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use

• Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible

Additional Information

Maryland DHMH H1N1 Influenza Information:

http://www.dhmh.md.gov/swineflu/index.html

The Weekly CDC Novel H1N1 Flu Situation Update:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm

CDC Interim Patient Treatment and Risk Guidance:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm