The Tazewell County Health Department has received notification of the first confirmed H1N1 influenza case in Tazewell County. An adult over 40 tested positive this week for H1N1 by the Illinois Department of Public Health laboratory. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of any additional information. The individual did receive medical treatment and is recuperating at home. The Tazewell County Health Department's Communicable Disease staff is monitoring the situation.
The Tazewell County Health Department is also working closely with IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control regarding H1N1 cases. The CDC has determined that the H1N1 flu is contagious and is spread from human to human. Spread of H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.
Most people infected with the H1N1 Influenza virus so far have experienced regular flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. A significant number of people have reported vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone experiencing severe flu-like symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion, should contact a medical professional right away. The virus continues to impact mostly younger people, so far it has not caused significant illness and death in the elderly as is normally seen with seasonal influenza.
The Tazewell County Health Department would like to remind the community that it is important for everyone to take a shared responsibility to minimize the risk of spreading this respiratory disease and to protect themselves. To prevent the spread of flu, take the following precautions:
CLEAN - wash your hands
COVER - your cough and sneeze
CONTAIN - contain your germs - stay home if you are sick.
Visit the Tazewell County Health Department website: www.tazewellhealth.org for additional information.
The CDC www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and Illinois Department of Public Health www.idph.state.il.us/swine_flu/index.htm Web sites will also provide information of the H1N1 outbreak.
People who have questions about H1N1 influenza can call the Illinois flu hotline at 866-848-2094 for English and 866-241-2138 for Spanish. The hotline currently operates from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
