First novel H1N1 influenza cases confirmed in Baldwin, Colbert and Dale counties

The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed its first novel H1N1 influenza cases in Baldwin, Colbert and Dale counties. As of May 29, there are 85 confirmed and 9 probable cases of novel H1N1 influenza in the state. No deaths have been associated with the virus in Alabama.

Counties and numbers of confirmed novel H1N1 cases which have been reported in their
residents are as follows: Madison, 35; Montgomery, 8; Etowah, 7; Coffee, 6; Jefferson, 5; Shelby, 4; Lee, 4; Limestone, 2; Mobile, 2; Pike, 2; Baldwin, 2; Blount, 1; Colbert, 1; Dale, 1; and county to be determined, 5. The onset of the patients’ symptoms occurred between April 20 and May 25.

The ages of those affected range from 7 weeks to 45 years. Fifty-four of the state’s 85 confirmed cases are in children under 13 years of age. The median age of cases has increased to 10.5 years. Thanks to new laboratory equipment and a decline in the number of novel H1N1 influenza samples submitted, a backlog has been cleared.

The symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of traditional influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 influenza. Close associates are advised to limit their contact with others for a period of seven days from the time they were exposed.

The incubation period from the moment of exposure to novel H1N1 influenza until symptoms develop is two to seven days. Individuals are infectious to others one day before until seven days after symptoms develop. Persons who develop symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their medical provider.

The department Web site at http://adph.org/H1N1Flu/ provides regular updates of case counts of novel H1N1 influenza within the state.