Baltimore, MD (July 15, 2009) - The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has reported a third H1N1 influenza-related death in Maryland to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest report involves an adult from the Eastern Shore with a serious underlying medical condition who passed away in June. The final cause of death was not determined to be associated with the H1N1 virus until recently. 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 CDC reports as of July 10, 2009 that 211 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 six.   

“We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of this Eastern Shore resident,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “As we move into summer we continue to see this novel H1N1 flu virus move throughout the state with a majority of our flu activity in Central Maryland. We will likely see much more of it the months ahead and unfortunately, there will be more flu-related deaths, as we normally see during the regular flu season.” 

Nationwide, as of July 10, the CDC reports 37,246 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 influenza. To date, 732 cases of novel H1N1 have been confirmed in Maryland. That figure is likely 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.   

“As with seasonal flu, we are concerned for those Marylanders who have chronic underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or an illness that requires medication affecting the immune system,” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health. “If you or a child in your care have an existing serious medical condition and begin to experience flu-like symptoms, we urge you to consult with your health care provider for care and treatment.” 

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

• Persons who are extremely obese

• 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