News: Glynn County Confirms Case of Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus
June 25, 2009 - The Glynn County Health Department has received confirmation from the Georgia Division of Public Health that a positive case of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus has been identified in a Glynn County resident. The 9-year-old female recovered at home.
"We are investigating how the individual may have become exposed to the novel H1N1 virus," said Robert Thornton, Coastal Health District Epidemiologist. "No close contacts of the child have reported showing any symptoms of the virus."
This is the first case of novel H1N1 infection in the Coastal Health District (CHD) and the 66th confirmed case in the state of Georgia. This is the only confirmed case of the novel H1N1 virus in the Coastal Health District at this time. The CHD is comprised of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to that of seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with novel H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
The Coastal Health District encourages all residents to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of germs:
• Sneeze into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick.
For more information on the novel H1N1 flu, go to the Coastal Health District website at www.gachd.org.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/news/glynn_county_confirms_case_of.php