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Over the past 36 hours we’ve been following a report out of Montgomery County, Texas where an unidentified flu-like illness had hospitalized 8 local residents in recent weeks, killing 4 of them. This afternoon the Montgomery County Public Health Department announced on their Facebook page they would hold a press conference before 5pm local time to update the public on what their investigations have shown.
At 6pm EST the following update was posted on the MCPH’s Facebook page, indicating that one case has been identified as being H1N1 influenza, while the cause (or causes) of the other illnesses have yet to be determined. The investigation is ongoing.
12/18/2013
UPDATE: INFLUENZA LIKE ILLNESS ARISES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
As of Wednesday afternoon, there has been one confirmed case of H1N1 virus. Of the eight reported cases, four patients have deceased. Of the remaining four cases in an area hospital, one case has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Two of the patients tested negative for all flu viruses. Montgomery County Public Health District is awaiting test results for the remaining patient. The 2013 Influenza vaccine does protect against the H1N1 virus. At this time no known deaths received the vaccine.Based on CDC data, the H1N1 virus is nationally on the rise. It can reasonably be expected that the occurrence of more H1N1 cases will be reported. Public Health Officials will continue to monitor the situation diligently and will provide more information as it is received.
The Montgomery County Public Health District is grateful for Conroe Regional Hospital’s astute physicians who recognized the unusual nature of the illness and began the appropriate testing to reach a diagnosis.
Montgomery County Public Health District has been in discussion with the Texas Department of State Health Services along with the CDC to coordinate investigation efforts. Despite ongoing investigations, it cannot be emphasized enough that common infection control practices should be followed to prevent the spread of infection. As with common flu strains, some people are more likely to develop flu complications than others. Please reference the CDC’s website, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm, which further explains the high risk population, including children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65, and people with certain medical conditions.
It is also recommended that you receive your flu shot. Montgomery County Public Health Clinic is offering the vaccination by appointment, while supplies last. Call (936) 523-5020 to set up an appointment. For any other questions or concerns, please contact the Public Health hotline at (936) 523-5050. The line will be staffed Monday thru Friday from 8AM-5PM, it is for non-media inquiries only.
As I wrote this morning, now is the time of the year when we should all be cognizant of, and diligent in, practicing good flu hygiene. The CDC recommends:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
And, with holiday travel and gatherings, and the bulk of the flu season still ahead . . it isn’t too late to get that flu shot.
I’ll update this story again, once more news becomes available.
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