DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 15, 2007 DHSS-130-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
DELAWARE'S FIRST CONFIRMED INFLUENZA CASES FOR 2007-2008
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reports the state's first laboratory confirmed cases of influenza for the 2007-2008 flu season. Two children from Kent County, ages 3 and 5, were confirmed with type B influenza Nov. 13 by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory using a genetic test method. Of the 178 lab-confirmed cases of influenza nationwide since October 11, 6.2 percent were influenza B viruses similar to Delaware's case.
DPH monitors the occurrence of influenza - like illness in all hospitals and selected long term care facilities, large businesses and stand alone medical clinics. National reports from Oct. 28 - Nov. 3 indicate a low level of influenza activity across the United States. DPH strongly encourages health care providers to submit specimens from suspected influenza cases to DPH's laboratory for culture confirmation and sub-typing to help with disease surveillance. This service is offered free of charge and test results are reported to participating providers.
DPH has also distributed 28,630 doses of flu vaccine to health providers enrolled in the federal Vaccines for Children program. This program supplies vaccine for children enrolled in Medicaid, uninsured children and children with insurance that does not cover vaccines. DPH continues to conduct scheduled flu vaccination clinics statewide and had administered 1,945 doses as of Nov. 3. For clinic dates and locations, go to: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/fluclinics.html These clinics vaccinate people in the following risk groups:
- Children age 6-59 months old.
- Adults 50 years and older.
- People ages 2-49 with chronic medical conditions.
- Adults or children with spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other muscle and nerve conditions that lead to breathing and swallowing problems.
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season. Vaccination can occur in any trimester.
- Household contacts of out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months old.
- Residents of long-term care facilities.
- Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care.
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of people in the other high-risk categories.
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.
