First Novel H1N1 Influenza Case Confirmed In Autauga County

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health;  IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 07 Jun 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed its first novel H1N1 influenza case in Autauga County. As of June 3, there were 92 confirmed and 8 probable cases of novel H1N1 influenza in the state.

Counties and numbers of confirmed novel H1N1 cases which have been reported in their residents are as follows: Madison, 35; Montgomery, 8; Etowah, 8; Coffee, 7; Lee, 7; Jefferson, 5; Shelby, 4; Baldwin, 3; Mobile, 3; Limestone, 2; Pike, 2; Dale, 2; Autauga, 1; Blount, 1; Colbert, 1; and county to be determined, 3. The onset of the patients' symptoms occurred between April 20 and May 26.

Approximately half of those affected are under 13 years of age, but the median age of cases has increased to 12 years. The symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of traditional influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 influenza. Close associates are advised to limit their contact with others for a period of seven days from the time they were exposed.

The incubation period from the moment of exposure to novel H1N1 influenza until symptoms develop is two to seven days. Individuals are infectious to others one day before until seven days after symptoms develop. Persons who develop symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their medical provider.

The department Web site at http://adph.org/H1N1Flu/ provides regular updates of case counts of novel H1N1 influenza within the state.

Source
Alabama Department of Public Health