H1N1 is still a threat

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PRINCETON — The H1N1 influenza, initially referred to as the swine flu, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

As of Thursday, nearly 30,000 confirmed cases had been reported in 74 countries, according to WHO Director Dr. Margaret Chan. The virus is contagious, spreading easily from one person to another, and spreading easily from one country to another, she said.

On Monday, Pat Lebahn, communicable disease coordinator for the Bureau/Putnam County Health Department, said the pandemic term does not refer to the severity of the disease, rather to its geographic spread around the world.

Locally, there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Bureau or Putnam counties, but there have been two confirmed cases in LaSalle County, Lebahn said. As of Friday morning, the Illinois Department of Public Health had reported 1,984 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 in the state, including five deaths.

Lebahn said it is possible H1N1 cases could occur locally. But if the case is not severe, the person may not need to go to a doctor, and the H1N1 diagnosis would not be known.

The local health department is working with area hospitals and doctors to make sure they are up-to-date on any information received by the health department, Lebahn said.

Primary symptoms of H1N1 include a fever that doesn’t break, body aches, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. The H1N1 is a respiratory flu but may also be accompanied by some nausea and vomiting, especially in children, Lebahn said.

Dr. Damon Arnold, state public health director, has also issued a statement reminding the public the H1N1 influenza is still circulating in Illinois, and people should continue to take steps to stay healthy and limit the spread of the virus.

“So far, most people in Illinois who contracted H1N1 have not become seriously ill and have recovered without being hospitalized,” Arnold said. “Although we expect to see more cases, more hospitalizations and even more deaths from this virus, people can reduce their chances of getting sick and spreading the virus by continuing to follow the three C’s – clean your hands, cover your cough and contain your germs by staying home when you’re sick.”

Like seasonal influenza, some people may be at greater risk of serious complications related to the H1N1 infection and illness, Arnold said. People who are at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications include pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old, people with chronic medical conditions and people 65 years and older.

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