First swine flu death in Palm Beach County

The Palm Beach County Health Department has confirmed that a 25-year old woman living in Palm Beach County has died of H1N1, or the swine flu.

The State Laboratory says this brings the state total to seven deaths of H1N1.  The World Health Organization has now elevated this virus to a level 6 and declared it a pandemic. 

The latest information shows there have been 1781 confirmed cases in Florida with Palm Beach County having 146 and new reports coming in daily.  

Health Department Acting Director, Alina Alonso, M.D. said, “Our sympathies go out to the friends and family of this young woman.  I am also asking all to remain alert to the signs and symptoms of this flu and seek medical attention if the fever, coughs and sneezes worsen.”

WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.

Dr.'s recommend the following:

People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid  spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.