Coconino County Health Department officials announced today the first confirmed case of novel H1N1 (swine) flu virus in the Flagstaff area. The individual is recovering from the illness. As of June 15, 2009, there are a total of six confirmed cases of the illness in Coconino County. There are no deaths in Coconino County associated with this illness.
“It is extremely likely that there are additional cases in communities throughout the County,” said Barbara Worgess, Coconino County Health Department Director. “Because this influenza has been generally a mild illness, many people will not seek medical care and will not be tested. It’s important that everyone continues to follow good health etiquette to help prevent the spread of the illness.”
To help reduce the risk of influenza and many other infectious diseases, health officials encourage the following simple actions:
- Stay informed. The Coconino County Health Department website will be updated regularly as information becomes available. www.coconino.az.gov/health<http://www.coconino.az.gov/health>
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Some degree of spread occurs through contaminated hands. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve; this is the preferred method of covering your cough. If you can’t do this, cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Don’t share eating utensils, cups or straws.
- Stay home if you get sick. Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 17,855 probable and confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine) flu reported in the U.S., with at least 45 deaths. The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting 597 confirmed H1N1 (swine) flu cases in Arizona and six H1N1 (swine) flu related deaths.
On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many of those infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection.
