DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 3, 2004 DHSS-117-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH ANNOUNCES FIRST INFLUENZA CASE FOR 2004-2005 SEASON
The Division of Public Health (DPH) announces the first confirmed case of influenza during the 2004-2005 season. The case, identified in New Castle County, has influenza type A. The individual is not hospitalized and is receiving antiviral treatment under their physician's care. DPH is conducting daily surveillance for influenza in Delaware and is investigating several additional unconfirmed reports.
"While it is still early in the influenza season, there is no evidence of widespread illness," said Jaime Rivera, MD, DPH director. "We will continue monitoring statewide."
DPH's epidemiologists monitor the state for signs of influenza and other illnesses by receiving reports from physicians, hospitals and school nurses. DPH is positioned to open clinics to administer vaccine to individuals in high-priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DPH will announce the schedule of clinics next week. DPH has received a shipment of 12,000 doses of influenza vaccine as the first phase of a national plan to allocate 22.4 million doses. A plan to distribute the vaccine to Delawareans in high-risk groups only will be complete within a week.
The CDC said that vaccine also is being shipped directly to private healthcare providers. DPH recommends that people in the high-risk categories take the following steps:
- Do not call or go to a hospital for flu vaccination. Hospitals are using their vaccine for their sickest patients and to assure that they have a healthy staff to provide care.
- Call your private physician to find out the likelihood and timing of receiving vaccine.
- Veterans must be enrolled with the Veterans Administration to receive the vaccine through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Elsmere. For more information, call 302-633-5209.
- If you become sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medicines that reduce the severity of flu if he or she knows within two days of the onset of flu symptoms.
- Ask your doctor about vaccination against pneumonia, one of flu's most severe potential complications.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
