County News
Buncombe Has First Case of H1N1
This news item expired on 6/4/2009, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
On May 29, Buncombe County Health officials announced one confirmed case of novel H1N1 virus in a Mission Hospital employee.
Tests conducted at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Lab (state lab) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed the case as novel H1N1 virus. Health officials are working closely with this person and their contacts to reduce the spread of the infection to others.
This is the first confirmed case of H1N1 virus in Buncombe County. At this time, no other cases or clusters have been identified in Buncombe County. In response to the confirmed case, hospital officials are following CDC Influenza Prevention Guidelines, which includes evaluation of staff who may have been exposed to flu symptoms.
Ten employees, ten patients, one physician and one nurse practitioner were identified and all have been put on precautionary medication. None of these people have shown any symptoms of flu.
H1N1 virus is a respiratory infection caused by an influenza type A virus. The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include:
- fever over 100° F AND
- cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills or fatigue
- Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 flu.
If someone has symptoms they should stay home from work or school to avoid infecting others. Symptoms develop 1 – 3 days after exposure to someone who is sick and they are considered contagious for 7-10 days.
“The best way to reduce the spread of H1N1 or any other type of flu is to stay home when you are sick,” says Gibbie Harris, Health Director of Buncombe County Health Center. “With this and any respiratory illness, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your sleeve and washing your hands often is also a very effective way of reducing the spread of illness.”
Children less than 5 years of age, adults over 65 years of age, or any age with chronic disease or other risk factors may experience flu symptoms and complications that require medical care. Flu symptoms requiring urgent medical attention include:
- Trouble breathing including shortness of breath or fast breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion or irritability
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Refusing to drink fluids
The most effective way to reduce the spread of influenza is for people with symptoms to stay at home.
Additional recommendations include:
- 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 cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
For more information about novel H1N1flu:
CALL: Buncombe County Health Center H1N1 Flu HOTLINE: (828) 250-6400 or NC CARE LINE (800) 662-7030