FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:      

August 10, 2009                                             
Contact: Mike Heideman, 785-296-4363
mheideman@kdheks.gov
www.kdheks.gov

Update on the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus in Kansas

Today, Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of the Division of Health at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), sent a letter to doctors, hospitals and health officials across the state warning of an increase in H1N1 flu cases over the next several months.  (Click here to view the letter.)

 “While it is not possible to predict exactly what the pandemic virus will do next, recent experience in the Southern Hemisphere and elsewhere suggests that an escalation in cases will occur in the coming months,” stated Dr. Eberhart-Phillips in the letter.

 Cooler weather and the regular flu season are already taking place in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that it’s now easier for H1N1 to spread in that part of the world. Health officials generally agree there is no reason to expect the H1N1 virus to behave any differently during the approaching flu season in North America.

 The letter further states that as many as 20 to 40 percent of Kansans could become infected with H1N1 sometime during the next two years, and that “waves” of these cases could strain the state’s healthcare system.

Last Friday, KDHE and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) modified their recommendation for the length of time someone should remain at home if they experience symptoms of the flu. Both health agencies are now recommending that people who have flu-like symptoms remain at home and isolated away from others until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications. A fever is defined as 100° F (37.8 C) or higher.

 “This updated recommendation is easier to understand and follow than the earlier one,” stated Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of the Division of Health at KDHE. “It will not be possible to keep H1N1 and other flu viruses completely out of workplaces, schools and daycares. However, this simplified guidance will better help employers, school officials and providers decide when it’s acceptable for someone to return after being ill.”

 H1N1 cases have been confirmed in 46 Kansas counties. Most cases have suffered relatively mild illness, but at least 23 persons have been hospitalized, and the death of one patient was announced last week. The average age for confirmed cases is 17 years, with about 80 percent of cases occurring in persons under 35 years of age.

 The symptoms of infection with the pandemic H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and 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 yet to protect against the pandemic H1N1 virus, but there are treatments that can shorten the course of illness in severe cases, 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.

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.