Two Additional Novel H1N1 Cases Confirmed in Alamance County
New cases bring county’s confirmed case total to eight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2009
Two Additional Novel H1N1 Cases Confirmed in Alamance County
New cases bring county's confirmed case total to eight
The Alamance County Health Department was notified Wednesday afternoon by the North Carolina Division of Public Health that laboratory tests from two additional Alamance County residents have been confirmed for Novel H1N1 Influenza. These new cases bring the total of Alamance County H1N1 cases to eight (8).
The two new cases include:
- A participant in a summer program at Altamahaw-Ossipee Elementary School. The participant has completed antiviral treatment and has returned to regular activities.
- An Alamance County resident who is currently hospitalized at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. It is not known whether this individual’s hospitalization is attributed to H1N1 or another medical condition.
Influenza surveillance data indicates that Novel H1N1 has become the predominant strain circulating in North Carolina. Since there have been several lab confirmed Novel H1N1 cases in Alamance and other surrounding counties, individuals with influenza-like symptoms should be presumed to have Novel H1N1, unless another cause is identified. This means that that anyone in the general population could possibly contract Novel H1N1 Influenza.
If you have symptoms of influenza, such as a fever greater than 100 F (37.7 C) and sore throat or cough, you or your child should remain at home for seven days or until at least 24 hours after symptoms end, whichever is longer. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends other people in the household also remain at home for seven days to prevent the spread of infection in the community. If symptoms continue to worsen, seek medical attention by contacting your physician or health care provider.
The Alamance County Health Department is committed to protecting and improving the public’s health in Alamance County. Information and developments surrounding the Novel H1N1 Influenza continues to change frequently, therefore, the public is strongly encouraged to monitor the local news outlets for updates from local public health officials. Any information regarding the confirmation of new Novel H1N1 cases in Alamance County will be released on Wednesdays, in conjunction with the NC Division of Public Health’s weekly update. Individuals seeking additional information may go to the CDC’s website (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu) or call the Alamance County Health Department at (336) 227-0101.