DoH Confirms First Cases Of NOVEL H1N1 Influenza A On The Island Of Kaua'i, Hawai'i

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Public Health;  Flu / Cold / SARS;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 12 Jun 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The Hawai'i State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed 83 additional cases of novel H1N1 Influenza A of swine origin this week. Two of the individuals live on the island of Kaua'i, one individual lives on the island of Maui, two individuals live on the island of Hawai'i, and 78 are O'ahu residents. It is important to note that all of the individuals have recovered or are recovering at home with no complications. The next weekly update will be posted at http://www.hawaii.gov/health on Wednesday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m.

"The numbers we are seeing are expected and not alarming," said Health Director Chiyome Fukino, M.D. "The number of cases will continue to rise as we identify more cases due to community transmission. All the cases we have been investigating have recovered or are recovering at home with no complications. To prevent further spread of illness, it is important that people with flu symptoms stay at home, and not expose others."

To date, the Department of Health (DOH) has investigated and conducted case follow-up for over 1100 individuals tested for Influenza A. The DOH State Laboratories Division currently conducts subtype testing on approximately 60-120 Influenza A specimens each work day. Of specimens that have been positive for Influenza A, 5-10% are novel H1N1 of swine origin, 5-10% are seasonal H1 influenza, and 80-90% are seasonal H3 influenza.

Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should call a doctor and isolate themselves from other people. Guidelines for home care for individuals with the flu are available on the DOH website at www.hawaii.gov/health. The public may also call 211 for information on novel H1N1 Influenza. Aloha United Way's 211 provides language interpretation and TDD/TTY services.

It is very important to stay at home if you are sick to prevent spreading illness. Consult a physician if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees and a sore throat or cough. Proper hand washing can help prevent contracting the flu viruses along with avoiding touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth. Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner arm can also reduce the spread of illness.

Source
Hawai'i State Department of Health