KDHE announces additional deaths of Kansans infected with
the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today confirmed the deaths of two people who were infected with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.  Fourteen people in Kansas have now reportedly died after being infected with H1N1.

The deaths occurred in the following individuals:

• A 72 year-old man from northeast Kansas* was confirmed to have pandemic H1N1 on October 29.  His death was reported to KDHE on October 30.  The man had an underlying health condition which placed him at greater risk of severe complications of influenza.
• A 53 year-old woman from the Wichita metropolitan area* was confirmed to have pandemic H1N1 on October 27, and her death was reported to KDHE on November 2.  This woman had an underlying health condition which placed her at greater risk of severe complications of influenza.

KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby and Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, Kansas State Health Officer, expressed sympathy and offered their deepest condolences to the families involved.

“People with specific underlying health conditions are at especially high risk of serious health problems if they get H1N1 flu,” said Dr. Eberhart Phillips. “While we wait for enough vaccine to become available to protect everyone against this infection, there are still many steps we all can take to reduce its spread.”
Those precautions include:

• 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.
• If you become sick, stay home until at least 24 hours after fever or signs of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, in order to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.  If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow and not your hands.  
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

The H1N1 vaccine has started to arrive in Kansas, but at this time in very limited quantities. Certain individuals are recommended to receive the vaccine earlier.  For more information on vaccine prioritization, please visit www.kdheks.gov/H1N1/H1N1_Vaccine.htm.

Up-to-date information on H1N1 vaccination clinics being held across the state can be found by going to www.kdheks.gov and clicking on “Where can I receive the H1N1vaccine?”

The symptoms of infection with the pandemic H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever of 100 degrees or greater, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.  Most people who have been ill with pandemic H1N1 influenza have recovered without medical treatment.

However, some people develop serious complications that require hospitalization or may lead to death.  Although serious complications are more likely among persons with certain underlying chronic health conditions, this pandemic influenza virus has caused serious complications and deaths among persons without such factors.  Unlike typical seasonal influenza, the 2009 H1N1 virus is causing a greater disease burden among adolescents and young adults.  Severe illness from H1N1 virus infection can even occur among relatively young, healthy persons.

KDHE is no longer accepting specimens from everyone who sees a doctor with symptoms.  In non-hospitalized cases, confirmatory testing does not affect treatment and advice given to patients by health care providers. 

Most children and adults with the flu who are generally in good health will recover without needing to visit a health care provider.  Some people may want to call their health care provider for advice on how to care for the flu at home.

Individuals who experience severe illness or who are at high risk of complications from H1N1 influenza infection, including children less than 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and persons with chronic medical conditions (including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions), should contact their health care provider.

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.

*Note to Editors/Reporters:  The geographic areas stated in this release are defined as follows:

• Northeast Kansas:  Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Riley, Pottawatomie, Atchison, Geary, Morris, Lyon and Douglas counties
   
• Wichita Metropolitan Area: Butler, Harvey, Sedgwick, and Sumner counties

In order to balance KDHE’s statutory requirements to not personally identify an individual and the need to share important public health information, KDHE is releasing the region or major metropolitan area of residence, the individual’s age, sex, and the presence of any underlying health conditions for pandemic influenza-related deaths.  This new policy is currently under review and may be changed if necessary.