Baltimore, MD (July 24, 2009) - The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has reported Maryland’s fourth death associated with the novel H1N1 (Swine) influenza to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest report involves an adult from the Eastern Shore with no immediately apparent underlying medical condition or risk factors. Further investigation into the cause of death is underway. As before, personal details about the case, including age, gender and specific jurisdiction of residence, will not be released to protect the privacy of the resident and the resident’s family.  

The CDC reports as of July 17, 2009 that 263 people nationwide have died after contracting novel H1N1 influenza. In the Mid-Atlantic region, Virginia has reported two H1N1 flu-related deaths, Pennsylvania has reported eight and New Jersey has reported 14.   

“We are saddened to report yet another death that has been associated with the novel H1N1 influenza,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “The H1N1 flu death of someone without apparent underlying medical conditions reminds us of just how serious influenza can be, even in otherwise healthy unvaccinated individuals.  More H1N1 flu-related deaths are expected, as we would normally see with seasonal flu.  We continue to urge all Maryland families to take this H1N1 flu seriously. While we wait for the development and delivery of a vaccine, everyone should remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.” 

The CDC will update its novel H1N1 flu statistics after 11:00 a.m. this morning, Friday, July 24. (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm). Nationwide, as of July 17, the CDC reports 40,617 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 influenza. To date, 766 (up from 732 one week ago) 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.   

“This H1N1 flu has been relatively mild. Just like seasonal flu, most people who get it, will recover. But this latest case illustrates that sometimes even apparently healthy adults can become very sick and unfortunately, some will die.” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health. “As with seasonal flu, we remain concerned for those Marylanders at higher risk. People who are pregnant or have chronic underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or an illness that requires medication affecting the immune system are encouraged to consult with a health care provider for care and treatment upon experiencing flu-like symptoms.” 

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