H1N1 flu cases up to 26 in Winnebago County

The number of Novel H1N1 flu cases in Winnebago County jumped to 26 today when 14 new cases were confirmed by Illinois Department of Public Health laboratory.

Preliminary information on 13 of the new cases is that 10 are youths and three are adults. No information was available on one case.

Sue Fuller, community relations manager for the Winnebago County Health Department, said in a news release that the department is continuing to actively monitor and conduct disease surveillance through clinics, lab tests, school absenteeism and mortality.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 8,975 cases and 15 deaths in 48 states and the District of Columbia nationwide today. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,101 confirmed cases in 19 counties and the city of Chicago.

The number of cases in Boone County remained at seven, and the number in Ogle County remained at three.

“At this point, the majority of influenza A infections now being detected through testing of specimens nationwide are being found to be the Novel H1N1 virus,” said Mike Bacon, public health director for the Winnebago County Health Department.

Bacon said the cases confirmed today are a reminder that there is ongoing circulation of Novel H1N1 influenza in the community and it is important to follow recommended precautions for individual protection to help lessen the spread of the virus.

The department news release said the precautions continue to be covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning hands frequently (especially after coughing and sneezing), and containing the spread by staying home when ill except to seek medical care. People with flulike symptoms who do seek medical care were advised to call their health-care provider before any office visit.

Winnebago County residents seeking information can call 815-720-4000 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to be directed to a health professional who can answer any further questions. The Illinois Department of Public Health operates a hot line from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 866-848-2094 (English) and 866-241-2138 (Spanish).

The CDC is operating a 24-hour hot line at 800-232-4636.

For further information, go to the CDC’s Web site at cdc.gov/flu/swine or Illinois Department of Public Health’s page at www.idph.state.il.us/.