08-03-09

Last week, 31 new cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus were confirmed in Kansas, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 247.  Six new counties (Barton, Bourbon, Decatur, Jackson, McPherson and Stanton) saw their first confirmed case of the virus last week, bringing to 41 the total number of Kansas counties with laboratory-confirmed evidence of H1N1 flu infections since the first cases were reported in the state on April 25.

It’s important to note that the number of cases reported by KDHE represents only those cases that have had confirmatory testing done through KDHE’s laboratory.  The number of Kansans infected by the virus is much higher.  Based on estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 10,000 Kansans have likely been infected with the virus.

Last week new evidence was published that pregnant women are at a greater risk for more severe disease and complications from the H1N1 virus.  KDHE and the CDC recommend that health care professionals treat pregnant women with influenza-like illness as soon as possible and not wait for testing to determine if the illness is in fact the H1N1 virus.  This is because antiviral treatment is most effective when started as early as possible after the onset of symptoms.  Because of the increased risk, pregnant women should be alert to any symptoms they may be experiencing and should contact their healthcare provider if they have any concerns.

As of today, KDHE has confirmed 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 CDC.

Confirmed Cases – 247 total

·         Barton County – One cases involving an adult

·         Bourbon County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child

·         Brown County – Three cases total involving one adult and two children

·         Butler County – Four cases total involving two adults and two children

·         Cowley County – Three cases total involving two adults and one child

·         Crawford County – Three cases involving adults

·         Decatur County – Two cases involving children

·         Dickinson County – Two cases involving adults

·         Douglas County – 11 cases total involving eight adults and three children

·         Edwards County – One case involving a child

·         Finney County – 20 cases total involving two adults and 18 children

·         Ford County – Two cases involving children

·         Geary County – 26 cases total involving 10 adults and 16 children

·         Gove County – One case involving an adult

·         Jackson County – Four cases involving adults

·         Jefferson County – One case involving an adult

·         Johnson County – 20 cases total involving eight adults and 12 children

·         Kiowa County – Four cases total involving three adults and one child

·         Labette County – Nine cases total involving six adults and three children

·         Leavenworth County – Two cases involving children

·         Logan County – One case involving an adult

·         Lyon County – One case involving an adult

·         McPherson County – One case involving a child

·         Miami County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child

·         Morton County – Three cases total involving two adults and one child

·         Neosho County – Two cases involving children

·         Ness County – One case involving an adult

·         Ottawa County – One case involving a child

·         Pottawatomie County – Two cases involving children

·         Rawlins County – One case involving a child

·         Reno County – Five cases total involving two adults and three children

·         Republic County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child

·         Riley County – 30 cases total involving 22 adults and eight children

·         Saline County – Nine cases total involving one adult and eight children

·         Sedgwick County – 28 cases total involving 17 adults and 11 children

·         Shawnee County – Four cases total involving two adults and two children

·         Sheridan County – Five cases involving children

·         Stafford County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child

·         Stanton County – One case involving a child

·         Thomas County – 10 cases total involving eight adults and two children

·         Wyandotte County – 15 cases total involving two adults and 13 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.