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June 20, 2009 (San Diego)--Escondido resident Adela Chevalier, 20, has died of H1N1 influenza (previously known as swine flu) at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido. Previously young and healthy, her death leaves some health experts concerned over whether the disease could have mutated into a more virulent form, though County Health authorities urge people not to panic.
“We understand people are concerned after the first H1N1 Influenza-related death in our community,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., San Diego County Public Health Officer. “The loss of any human life is tragic and we again send our deepest condolences to the family. “But I need to remind the public that each year about 36,000 people in the United States die from the seasonal flu. It’s unfortunate to see a death related to H1N1 Influenza but we expect more cases here and throughout the U.S.”
The local woman’s death was the first H1N1-related death in San Diego County and there have been 8 deaths in California. There are now 290 confirmed H1N1 cases and 25 hospitalizations in San Diego County. County Health officials have declined to reveal where the deceased influenza victim lived, worked, or received medical treatment, citing privacy laws.
“It may be that the severity of the disease is due to the robust immune response of younger individuals,” Dr. Daniel Jernigan, deputy director of the CDC's Influenza Division, said in a press briefing June 19. Following news of Chevalier's death, Palomar's emergency room was flooded with more than 80 patients, most seeking testing for fear of exposure to the flu.
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) stresses that county residents should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the spread of the H1N1 Influenza virus, but that they should not panic or use emergency departments unless they have severe symptoms – such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or flu like symptoms that improve, but then return with fever and worse cough.
“Currently, there is no vaccine for H1N1. The best protection for people is to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently,” said Wooten. “If you are experiencing influenza-like illness, stay at home and do not go to school or work and do not travel. You should stay at home for seven days or until a day after the symptoms have disappeared. For additional information on H1N1 influenza visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov or www.cdc.gov or call 2-1-1 San Diego.
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