Delaware's First Confirmed Influenza Case For 2008-2009

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 06 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reports the state's first laboratory confirmed cases of influenza for the 2008-2009 flu season. A 6 year-old child from New Castle County was confirmed with type B influenza Oct. 31 by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. A 26 year-old Wilmington resident has been confirmed with influenza, with test results on the strain pending.

Of the 56 lab-confirmed cases of influenza nationwide since Sept. 28, 25 percent were influenza B viruses similar to Delaware's case. DPH monitors the occurrence of influenza - like illness in all hospitals and selected long term care facilities, large businesses and stand alone medical clinics. National reports from Oct. 19 - Oct. 25 indicate a low level of influenza activity across the United States. DPH strongly encourages health care providers to submit specimens from suspected influenza cases to DPH's laboratory for confirmation and sub-typing to help with disease surveillance.

DPH has provided 30,940 doses of flu vaccine to health providers enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program. This federal program supplies vaccine nationwide for children enrolled in Medicaid, uninsured children and children with insurance that does not cover vaccines. DPH continues to conduct scheduled flu vaccination clinics statewide and had administered 475 doses as of Oct. 31. For a complete listing of DPH flu shot clinics, go here.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Delaware Health and Social Services