Charlotte, NC – A second Mecklenburg County resident has tested positive for the Novel H1N1 Influenza A (or swine flu) virus. This case is directly linked to the child who was reported as positive on June 1, 2009.
Ongoing investigation by the Health Department's communicable disease staff helped determine that the latest case, a friend of the child's mother, had come to the home to help care for the child when it was very ill.
Subsequently, this person went to a local hospital emergency room, was tested, and the result came back from the state laboratory today as positive.
This latest patient is isolated at home and has begun a regimen of anti-viral medications. Staff members from the Health Department are monitoring daily those who have been in close contact with both patients for any sign of infection.
It's thought that Novel Influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread -- mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States.
Media wishing to interview Medical Director Stephen Keener should come to the Health Department at 249 Billingsley Road between 3-4:15 pm today (Wednesday, June 3). Be advised that due to Federal privacy laws, there is very little, if anything more, we can say.
There is currently no vaccine to protect against the H1N1 Influenza A virus. However, one can protect themselves by following some basic rules:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, if possible.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily this way.
- Stay home if you are sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to prevent infecting them.
Dial 311 or go to www.MeckHealth.org for more basic information about Novel H1N1.
