Simultaneously, Britain has announced its first H1N1-related death, the first fatality outside the Americas since the outbreak began. The Scottish patient died while hospitalized and no further information is currently available.
At this time, there have been 1,153 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Massachusetts, with 80 residents hospitalized. Until this week's death, all cases of H1N1 in the Commonwealth have been relatively mild.
Here is a reminder from the MA Department of Public Health regarding the H1N1 virus, borrowed from the MA DPH blog, Commonwealth Conversations:
Certain groups are at higher risk of complications from the flu. These groups include children under the age of 2, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. These people should call their doctor immediately to discuss appropriate treatment if they develop a fever with a cough, sore throat, or runny nose.
Massachusetts residents are reminded to take the following steps to reduce their risk of illness:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough into your inner elbow and not into your hands.
If you are sick stay home from work, and if your child is sick keep them home from school for 7 days, or 24 hours after symptoms resolve -- whichever is longer.
Stay informed about the latest developments on the H1N1 flu by visiting www.mass.gov/dph.
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