Santa Rosa Co. has first H1N1 death

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. - Officials of the Santa Rosa County Health Department said that a 52-year-old man is the county's first confirmed death associated with H1N1 Swine Flu.

The man died September 11. Health officials were notified of his death September 28, when the results of additional lab tests were received. The man had hypertension and GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease). In keeping with DOH policy, no additional information was released.

"The death of a loved one under any circumstances is always a tragedy," said Sandra Park, A.R.N.P., Interim Administrator for the health department. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."

The man was admitted to the hospital on September 4. At that time, a rapid flu test for H1N1 was performed and the result of that test was negative. Additional testing, however, confirmed that the man was ill with H1N1.

The health department is continuing its surveillance of the H1N1 virus and encourages the public to practice good hygiene precautions as the most effective method of preventing the spread of not only H1N1 but seasonal flu as well. These methods consist of washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, covering sneezes and coughs and, most importantly, staying at home if they are sick. If they have questions about how to care for someone who may have the flu, they should call their health care provider.

Although the health department has not yet received the H1N1 vaccine, seasonal flu vaccine is available and health officials are encouraging residents to get their annual flu shot.

For more information on H1N1 flu, log onto the Department of Health's H1N1 website at myflusafety.com or call the Florida Flu Information Line at 1-877-352-3581 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time).