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NEWSLETTER SIGN UPThe Northeast Georgia Health District has just announced it has one confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in Barrow County.
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory reported Thursday that a 15-year-old female resident of Barrow County, who had experienced mild flu-like symptoms, is the first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza in the Northeast Health District.
The sample was collected at a personal physician’s office in Oconee County on June 23, and the girl is now fully recovered.
According to Barrow County EMA Director Jimmy Terrell, Northeast Georgia Health officials have followed up on the case and are not recommending any action at this time.
Terrell indicated the Barrow County Pandemic Flu Committee will be meeting July 16 to assess the most recent information about H1N1 which the CDC now believes that the H1N1 infection is now quite widespread. Fortunately, cases thus far have not been serious. The committee will also be discussing other matters.
In a press conference last Friday, Dr. Anne Schuchat, the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC, speculated that as many as half a million of the flu-like symptoms that may have been experienced by individuals in New York City during the month of May were likely H1N1 infections that resolved without needing any kind of heightened care.Though individuals are warned to watch for serious complications, most H1N1 cases continue to be mild with a short duration, and so most cases continue to go undocumented. Mortality rates of H1N1 in the US remain less than one half of one percent of all detected cases in the United States, which is much lower than rates of the seasonal flu.
The CDC and Public Health officials will continue to closely monitor the H1N1 illness for significant changes as it moves throughout South America, where case numbers are showing a surge.
Efforts to create a vaccine have been productive and are currently moving through testing phases. Though no date has been specified, immunizations are estimated to be available before the flu season begins later this year. Vaccines for the seasonal flu will also be available.
Hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when ill are the most effective ways to avoid getting sick from seasonal flu as well as the common cold.
Respiratory illnesses circulate in Georgia all year round. Current influenza surveillance shows that both seasonal flu virus and the novel H1N1 virus are present in Georgia.
"Unlike a seasonal flu, the H1N1 seems to be hanging around and Public Health’s big concern is the fall," said Terrell. "We could see the same virus we are combating now or a mutation.
"Public Health officials will continue to monitor the local situation and keep Chairman Daniel Yearwood and myself updated," said Terrell. "Any announcements will be made as quickly as possible."
For more information, visit www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu
