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

Five new cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus have been confirmed in Kansas since the last update yesterday morning.  One case involves a Geary County child who is hospitalized, two involve Johnson County children and two involve Wyandotte County children.  Today’s announcement brings the Kansas total to 28 confirmed cases. 

On Friday, May 8, KDHE informed health care providers in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties that it is only necessary for specimens to be collected and sent to KDHE’s laboratories for analysis if the patient is hospitalized with influenza-like illness.  However, the Johnson County and Wyandotte County cases being reported today involved specimens that had already been collected and submitted to KDHE’s laboratory.

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 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Confirmed Cases – 28 total

• Dickinson County – Two cases involving adults
• Geary County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child
• Johnson County – 11 cases total involving four adults and seven children
• Ottawa County – One case involving a child
• Sedgwick County – One case involving a child
• Wyandotte County – 11 cases total involving one adult and 10 children

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.