May 06, 2009 State Officials Announce Seven More Suspected H1N1 Flu Cases in La.CDC-Confirmed H1N1 Cases Remain at Seven

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 06, 2009 -  

BATON ROUGE— LDH officials are now investigating seven new suspected cases of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, including five cases in Lafayette Parish, one case in Ascension Parish, and one in St. Landry Parish. This brings the total number of suspected cases currently under investigation in Louisiana to 34. None of the 34 cases are in the hospital.

Samples of the seven new suspected cases tested positive for type A Influenza, which could indicate either seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 virus subtype is confirmed by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lab tests.

Specimens for all suspected cases have been sent to the CDC lab in Atlanta for confirmation. CDC guidance suggests to expect a high rate of confirmations, as the agency has confirmed the H1N1 virus in 99 percent of cases sent to its labs for testing.

The state lab has received 1,507 specimens since the first presence of the H1N1 virus and a total of 638 specimens have been tested. 

SUSPECTED H1N1 CASES

•           Lafayette Parish - 22 (up from 17 yesterday)

•           Lafourche – 3

•           Iberia – 2

•           St. Landry – 2 (up from one yesterday)

•           Ascension – 1 (new case)

•           Beauregard - 1

•           Livingston – 1

•           Orleans – 1

•           St. Martin – 1

TOTAL – 34

CDC-CONFIRMED H1N1 CASES

•           Lafayette  – 5

•           Ascension – 1

•           Orleans – 1

TOTAL – 7

CDC-NEGATIVE H1N1 CASES

• St. Martin – 1
• St. Tammany - 1

TOTAL – 2

Protecting Your Family

Make sure you:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

 Symptoms of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) include:

• Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

• If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible for advice on treatment.

Visit www.FluLa.com for the latest information on the H1N1 virus.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov.

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