State Reports First Confirmed Flu Cases and Death of Season

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today confirmed the state’s first influenza cases of the 2006 – 2007 season. KDHE laboratories have confirmed four cases of the flu – three from south central Kansas and one from northeast Kansas. Two of the cases were confirmed in children under the age of five and two cases were in Kansans between the ages of five and 24. KDHE has also received the first reported death associated with influenza. The reported flu death was in an individual from south central Kansas over the age of 70.

Tracking Influenza in Kansas:

Influenza is not a reportable disease in Kansas; therefore, KDHE does not receive information on all cases of flu. It is possible there have been earlier cases in the state. To track influenza, KDHE has agreements with several health care providers in each region of the state (called sentinel sites), and receives specimens to test from each of these sites throughout the season. In addition, these providers report information regarding flu-like activity in patients coming to their medical practices.

Regional Influenza Activity:

Kansas is now reporting sporadic influenza activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on recent increased reports of influenza-like illness from sentinel sites and laboratory confirmation of isolates (samples taken by health care providers that show preliminary positive results) from the south central and northeast regions of the state.

"It's still not too late to get the flu vaccine this year," said Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director. “In Kansas, we typically see an increase in cases in January and that can continue into February and March.”

Rodenberg noted the flu vaccine is about 80 percent effective in preventing illness from influenza virus. This means that it is possible to get influenza after having the vaccine, however, when illness occurs symptoms are usually less severe and complications less frequent.

"The flu shot cannot cause the flu," said Dr. Gail Hansen, KDHE State Epidemiologist. "And since the vaccine wears off and the circulating influenza viruses change over time, yearly vaccinations are recommended, especially for those at high risk of complications."

The following individuals are considered high-risk:

• People 50 years of age and older
• Children ages 6 months to 59 months
• Adults and children with chronic lung or heart disorders including heart disease or asthma
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), weakened immune systems (including persons with HIV/AIDS) or any condition that can compromise respiratory function or that increases the risk of aspiration
• Children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years of age, who take aspirin daily
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• Persons who live with or care for persons at high risk for influenza-related complications, including healthy household contacts and caregivers of children ages 0-59 months
• Healthcare workers

Other vaccination recommendations:

“A critical component to help you prevent getting the flu or spreading the flu is hand washing,” said Dr. Gail Hansen, State Epidemiologist. “We shouldn’t overlook the value of this activity in preventing the spread of influenza. And we must take time to do it right. That means rubbing your hands together for 20 seconds under warm water with soap.”

Steps the public can take to avoid catching or spreading the flu:

• Proper and frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
• Stay home from school or work when sick.
• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Stay healthy: eat healthy foods, stay active, avoid tobacco products and get plenty of rest.

For more information regarding flu vaccine and steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu please go to: www.kdheks.gov.

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