Clyde L. Reese, III, Esq., Commissioner	Sonny Perdue, Governor

Georgia Department of Community Health Confirms First H1N1 Death in Georgia

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) confirmed Georgia’s first death related to novel influenza A (H1N1).  The 43-year-old female from Cobb County, Georgia, suffered from underlying health conditions when she became infected with the novel H1N1 virus. 

“I am saddened to report the first death of a Georgia citizen associated with the novel H1N1 virus,” said DCH Commissioner and Acting Public Health Director Dr. Rhonda Medows.  “Although most of the individuals who have contracted the novel H1N1 virus so far, have had mild to moderate symptoms, this viral illness has claimed 170 lives in other states throughout the country.” 

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary reports that 37,000 deaths are caused each year due to "regular" or “seasonal flu.”

The majority of individuals infected with the novel virus experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover from their illness without complications.  Symptoms of the virus are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, extreme fatigue, and possible nausea and vomiting, especially in children.  As of July 8, 2009, Georgia had confirmed 143 cases of novel H1N1.

To date, this illness has been seen most commonly in children and young adults with outbreaks in schools, child care centers and residential camps.  Complications from infection with this virus are most common in children and adults with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.

This flu season, we are preparing to address both seasonal flu and novel H1N1, and we urge all to practice the ABC’s of flu prevention:

1. Act to protect yourself through hand washing and other prevention measures to reduce transmission of the virus
   
2. Be considerate and remain home if you do become ill.  Take care of yourselves and your children at home and follow the advice of your health care professional, and avoid exposing others
   
3. Connect with your trusted source of health information whether it be the CDC, your local health department or DCH.   Follow the health updates as we approach the flu season and be aware of evolving plans regarding both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines availability, and share what you learn with friends and family.

Information and updates about the novel H1N1 virus are available on:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Web site: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm 
• Georgiahealthinfo.gov Web site: http://georgiahealthinfo.gov
• DCH Public Health Web site: www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu/