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H1N1 influenza found in Jefferson County

By Staff | Jun 24, 2009

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed a case of the H1N1 influenza A virus in Jefferson County today. This is the first confirmed case in the county.

The Jefferson County Health Department is following the KDHE guidlines for dealing with the virus including a thorough case investigation and management of the patient and close contacts.

As of today the KDHE has identified 115 confirmed cases in the state.

Butler County – One case involving an adult

Cowley County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child

Dickinson County – Two cases involving adults

Douglas County – Threes cases involving adults

Ford County – One case involving a child

Geary County – 25 cases total involving nine adults and 16 children

Gove County – One case involving an adult

Jefferson County – One case involving an adult

Johnson County – 12 cases total involving five adults and seven children

Kiowa County – One case involving an adult

Labette County – Two cases involving adults

Leavenworth County – One case involving a child

Morton County – Two cases involving adults

Ottawa County – One case involving a child

Pottawatomie County – Two cases involving two children

Reno County – One case involving an adult

Republic County – One case involving a child

Riley County – 24 cases total involving 16 adults and eight children

Saline County – Eight cases total involving one adult and seven children

Sedgwick County – Eight cases total involving four adults and four children

Shawnee County – One case involving an adult

Wyandotte County – 15 cases total involving two adults and 13 children

The KDHE states 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.

The KDHE also urges people 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 additionally states that the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is not transmitted by food and cannot be transmitted by eating pork or pork products.

The 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 http://www.kdheks.gov>www.kdheks.gov.