Flu Update for Madison and Dane County
Latest Report as of May 5, 2009
Madison WI - May 5, 2009 - The first probable H1N1 influenza case based on clinical history and preliminary lab test results has been identified by Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC). The case is a young child, a Madison resident who became ill in late April while visiting Mexico. He returned to the US on May 1st and was seen soon after arrival by the family physician. The physician suspected H1N1 influenza and submitted samples to the Wisconsin Laboratory of Hygiene. The child is at home being well cared for by the family and is now fully recovered. The entire family remains in isolation at home and is being monitored daily by PHMDC. The child has not recently attended school locally. As of noon, May 5, there have been 56 suspected cases in Dane County, 48 tested negative, 1 considered probable based on history and preliminary lab results and 7 are pending. PHMDC remains in contact with local schools and daycare centers, homeless shelters and health care facilities, relative to the extent and severity of H1N1 in our community and the United States and how to be best prepared. Flu updates are posted on the PHMDC website daily. Remember, Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Individuals are advised to take these actions to stay healthy: - Cough in your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it. - Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based cleaners regularly, especially after you cough or sneeze; - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. - Stay home if you are sick. Call your doctor or Public Health if you think you might have the flu; - Try to stay in good general health by getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, especially including plenty of fruits and vegetables, and being physically active to manage stress. It is a good idea to develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a backup supply of food, medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies in the event you or someone in your family becomes sick and are recommended to stay home. Daily updates are posted at www.publichealthmdc.com.
