JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health reported today that Mississippi has recorded its first death related to complications from Novel H1N1, otherwise known as swine flu.
The deceased is a child from Jackson County with multiple underlying conditions, officials said in a news release. Jackson County is just west of the Alabama line and includes the cities of Pascagoula and Gautier.
“The death of any child for any reason is tragic,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier. “At this time, there have been 353 deaths attributed to Novel H1N1 (swine) flu throughout the country which is about the same death rate that we see with seasonal influenza.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year, on average, 36,000 Americans die from complications due to seasonal flu.”
According to Currier, Novel H1N1 (swine) flu responds well to traditional anti-viral medications. The very young, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill may be at higher risk for complications, she said.
Currier said Mississippians are encouraged to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting Novel H1N1(swine) flu and other flu-like illnesses:
* Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
* Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or cough into a tissue followed by hand-washing
* Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
* If you are ill, stay home until you are well, unless you need to see a doctor, in which case call first to prevent possible transmission in the doctor’s waiting area.
With schools throughout Mississippi re-opening, it is especially important for parents, teachers and children to be mindful about hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, Currier said.
For more information on Novel H1N1 flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com or call the toll-free MSDH flu hot line at 1-877-222-9FLU. The hot line hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays. To receive updates on Twitter, visit the MSDH H1N1 swine flu page to sign up as a follower.
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