The death of a York County man in his 50s is the first death in Maine linked to the H1N1 “swine flu” outbreak, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday morning. The man died last week.
His name and the date of his death are not being released to protect the privacy of the family.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned today of a York County resident who died recently of underlying conditions complicated by H1N1 after a nearly three week hospitalization,” said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of the Maine CDC. “While most people with H1N1 in Maine and the nation have had a relatively mild infection, this news demonstrates how serious influenza can be, especially in those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and very young children.”
Since first being recognized in April 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus has spread to 168 countries. In June, a pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization. As of Aug. 7, H1N1 infection has resulted in 6,506 hospitalizations and 436 deaths in the United States. Maine has identified 323 cases of H1N1, which include 19 individuals requiring hospitalization. Of Maine residents with H1N1, 60 percent have been under 25 years of age.
All Mainers are urged to take everyday precautions to prevent H1N1 and to stay healthy, including:
- 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 hands clean-ers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick.
- Stay informed. Check then Maine CDC Web site at: www.mainepublichealth.gov.
Governor Baldacci has convened an H1N1 Summit on Aug. 20 at the Augusta Civic Center for health care pro-viders, emergency management agencies, school officials, public health agencies and community organizations to prepare for the fall, when H1N1 may escalate and when a new vaccine is anticipated to be available.
