Monday update of 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus cases identified in Kansas

No new cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus have been confirmed in Kansas since the last update yesterday morning.  Kansas’ total remains at 22 confirmed cases.

Last month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all states would receive a portion of their allocation of antivirals from the federal Strategic National Stockpile.  Kansas has received its portion and distribution across the state has been completed with a supply located in nearly every county.  CDC security requirements do not allow states to disclose the exact location or the quantities of the antivirals.

KDHE will report cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus once daily by 10 a.m through a news release and at www.kdheks.gov.  The daily report will include all cases identified by 11:59 p.m. of the previous day.

As of today, KDHE has identified the following cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus in Kansas.  In all cases, the local health departments are following the guidance provided by KDHE when dealing with a confirmed case. 

Confirmed Cases – 22 total

Dickinson County – 2 cases

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

Johnson County – 9 cases

• One case involving an adult with travel to Mexico.  The patient is currently hospitalized.
• One case involving an adult who is a Texas resident was visiting Johnson County.  The patient has not been hospitalized.
• One case involving a child.  No additional details are available at this time.
• One case involving a child.  No additional details are available at this time.
• One case involving a child.  No additional details are available at this time.
• One case involving a child.  No additional details are available at this time.
• One case involving an adult.  No additional details are available at this time.
• One case involving an adult.  No additional details are available at this time.
• One case involving an adult.  No additional details are available at this time.

Ottawa County – 1 case

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

Sedgwick County – 1 case

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

Wyandotte County – 9 cases

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

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.