The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) today announces the first death in Rhode Island that is linked to infection of H1N1 virus. The person, a teenage girl from Kent County had underlying medical conditions that increased her risk for serious illness from influenza.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned today of the death of a Rhode Island resident from illness associated with H1N1,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “We express our sympathies to the family. While most of the cases we are seeing in Rhode Island are mild illness, there are some people that can have more severe symptoms or can die. People who have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, immunosuppression or pregnancy are at increased risk for more serious complications from influenza.”
The things everyone should do to help prevent the spread of H1N1 or any illness are: · Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gels. · Cough and sneeze into your elbow. · Anyone who is sick with an Influenza-like illness (ILI) (fever plus cough or sore throat) should stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until symptoms have stopped for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
As of June 17, at 3 p.m., there have been 94 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Rhode Island and 23 hospitalizations to date due to H1N1.
For regularly updated information, visit http://www.health.ri.gov or call 222-8022, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.