DHSS Press Release

FOURTH DELAWARE H1N1-RELATED DEATH

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) was notified this morning that a 52-year old Kent County male, who was admitted to the hospital on October 21 with H1N1 flu-related complications, died on Saturday, November 7. The patient did have a very serious underlying health condition prior to contracting the flu.

"Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family and friends," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. "Again, we are reminded how serious the flu can be, especially for those with existing health issues. We always hope for recovery ------to hear about a death is very hard."

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 flu, including people with chronic underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and those who are immunosuppressed. For most healthy people this has been a mild infection.

There have been approximately 672 flu-related deaths, seasonal and H1N1 combined, in the United States from Aug. 30 until Oct. 31 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Rattay urges those dealing with flu-like symptoms to monitor the severity of their illness.

Signs of serious flu illness in children are:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, signs of serious flu are:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Stay informed about the latest developments on the H1N1 flu, by visiting www.flu.delaware.gov

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.