Additional cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus identified in Kansas

Two new cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus have been confirmed in Wyandotte County, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).  One case involves a child and the other an adult.

In addition, the three “presumptively confirmed” cases identified over the weekend in Johnson, Wyandotte and Sedgwick Counties can now be considered confirmed cases.  The CDC has now certified KDHE’s laboratory to confirm cases when using the new CDC-provided 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus test kits.  KDHE’s laboratory has been using the new test kits since this weekend.

KDHE is still awaiting results from the specimen sent to CDC involving the probable case of a hospitalized patient in Johnson County that was announced on Friday afternoon.

In all cases, the local health departments are following the guidance provided by KDHE when dealing with a confirmed case.  This includes a thorough case investigation and management of the patient and close contacts.

As of Wednesday morning, KDHE has identified the following cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus in Kansas:

Confirmed Cases

• Two cases involving two adults residing in the same household in Dickinson County.  Neither of the patients was hospitalized.  One of the patients had recently traveled to Mexico.

• One case involving an adult who is a Texas resident but is visiting Johnson County.  The patient has not been hospitalized.

• One case involving a child in Sedgwick County who traveled out-of-state to an area of known transmission where he/she was presumably exposed to the virus.

• One case involving a child in Wyandotte County.  The patient was hospitalized, but has since been discharged and has fully recovered.  The child is not known to have recently traveled away from the Kansas City metro area or have come into contact with anyone who had been to an area known to be affected by the epidemic.

• One case involving an adult in Wyandotte County.  No additional details are available at this time.

• One case involving a child in Wyandotte County.  No additional details are available at this time.

Probable Case

• One case involving an adult in Johnson County with travel to Mexico.  The patient is currently hospitalized.

KDHE is continuing to work with local health departments and other healthcare providers to identify cases in Kansas and interrupt the chain of virus transmission wherever it is found.

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

• Fever greater than 100 degrees
• Body aches
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Respiratory congestion
• In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their health care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus, but there are effective treatments available once the infection is diagnosed.

As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.  
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

It is important to know that the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is not transmitted by food.  You cannot get this virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe.

KDHE has established a phone number for concerned Kansans to call with questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus.  The toll-free number is 1-877-427-7317.  Operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Persons calling will be directed to press “1” on their touch-tone phone to be directed to an operator who can answer questions.

Kansans with questions about the virus can email H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov.  Information is also available from KDHE at www.kdheks.gov.