Department of Health Confirms Pennsylvania's First Pediatric Death Associated with H1N1 Flu

Department of Health Confirms Pennsylvania's First Pediatric Death Associated
with H1N1 Flu

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Health
today confirmed that a five-year old Adams County boy died on Oct. 31 as a
result of complications from H1N1 flu. This is Pennsylvania's first pediatric
death associated with H1N1.

To protect the family's privacy, the department will not release additional
details about the case. To date, pandemic H1N1 infection has been confirmed in
20 fatal cases of influenza in Pennsylvania.

"The death of this child is a very unfortunate reminder of how serious
influenza can be. We extend our sympathies to his family," said Secretary of
Health Everette James. "This serves as a reminder of why we strongly urge
vaccination of all children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years against
pandemic H1N1 influenza."

Pennsylvania is currently seeing widespread influenza activity in all regions
of the state, with the majority of the cases occurring in the younger age
groups. All persons 6 months to 24 years of age are recommended by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices, or ACIP, to receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes
available.

Because of vaccine manufacturing delays, children may be exposed to the H1N1
virus before they are able to be vaccinated and protected. Many children who
get H1N1 influenza have mild to moderate illness similar to regular seasonal
influenza. Symptoms may include fever, coughing and/or sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose, headaches and/or body aches, chills, fatigue and possibly
vomiting and diarrhea.

Warning signs that indicate a child needs urgent medical attention include:
rapid or difficult breathing, bluish or gray skin color, not drinking enough
fluids, low urine output or no tears when crying, severe or persistent
vomiting, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child
does not want to be held, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden
dizziness, confusion, or flu-like symptoms that improve but later return with
fever and a worsened cough.

Parents should contact their healthcare provider if their children have flu
symptoms and also have asthma, heart, or certain other chronic underlying
health conditions. Antiviral medications can be prescribed for some children
to help prevent serious flu complications. These medicines work best if taken
within two days of getting sick.

Children and adults should practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the flu.
Use a tissue or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes; keep hands away from your
face and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes; wash your hands with soap often
(washing for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" three times) or use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; keep frequently used surfaces clean; and stay
home when sick.

Other priority groups targeted for vaccination include healthcare workers,
pregnant women, household contacts and childcare providers for those under six
months, and those under 65 with underlying health conditions.

The federal government has allocated more than a million doses of vaccine
which the department has distributed to certified providers statewide. Members
of the priority groups should contact their healthcare provider to learn if
the H1N1 vaccine is available. If their provider does not plan to administer
the vaccine or if an individual does not have a healthcare provider, please
call 1-877-PA HEALTH or visit www.H1N1inPA.com for more information.

As vaccine supplies improve, the Department of Health will begin to offer
public vaccination clinics.

Media contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Stacy Kriedeman of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783