First confirmed H1N1-related death in Lewis County

Lewis County Public Health is reporting the influenza-related death of a resident in her early 30s on October 11th. Earlier today, Washington state laboratory results confirmed that the Chehalis resident’s death was related to H1N1 influenza infection, though they could not confirm that it was the primary cause of her death.

At this point, it has been 16 days since this woman’s death. The woman was not employed outside of her home. The risk posed to other residents in our county from this particular case is long since passed. It is important that our community heed the overarching message from this case: protect yourself and your family by following standard precautions wherever you may be.

• Cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Dispose of tissues in a covered container and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often using soap, warm water, and paper towels. Use a commercially available (alcohol-based) hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Do not share snacks, food, drinks or cigarettes with others.

While Lewis County awaits more substantial H1N1 vaccination supplies, it is very important that each of us take responsibility for reducing the spread of the H1N1 virus in our community.

• Stay home from work, childcare, school or public gatherings when you are sick with a fever and cough.
• Persons with influenza should stay home for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the help of fever reducers.

Click here to read the full press release.

For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/ or www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1.