A case of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus was confirmed in a Republic County child. This is the first case identified in Republic County.

The local health department is following the guidance provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) when dealing with a confirmed case. This includes a thorough case investigation and management of the patient and close contacts.

As of Thursday, KDHE has identified the following cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus in Kansas. In all cases, the local health departments are following the guidance provided by KDHE when dealing with a confirmed case.

Confirmed Cases – 109 total

· Butler County – One case involving an adult

· Cowley County – Two cases total involving one adult and one child

· Dickinson County – Two cases involving adults

· Douglas County – Two cases involving adults

· Ford County – One case involving a child

· Geary County – 25 cases total involving nine adults and 16 children

· Gove County – One case involving an adult

· Johnson County – 12 cases total involving five adults and seven children

· Labette County – Two cases involving adults

· Leavenworth County – One case involving a child

· Morton County – Two cases involving adults

· Ottawa County – One case involving a child

· Pottawatomie County – Two cases involving two children

· Reno County – One case involving an adult

· Republic County – One case involving a child

· Riley County – 24 cases total involving 16 adults and eight children

· Saline County – Eight cases total involving one adult and seven children

· Sedgwick County – Six cases total involving three adults and three children

· Wyandotte County – 15 cases total involving two adults and 13 children

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

· Fever greater than 100 degrees

· Body aches

· Coughing

· Sore throat

· Respiratory congestion

· In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their health care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus, but there are effective treatments available once the infection is diagnosed.

As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:

· Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

· Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.

· Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.

· Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

It is important to know that the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is not transmitted by food. You cannot get this virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe.

KDHE has established a phone number for concerned Kansans to call with questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. The toll-free number is 1-877-427-7317. Operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Persons calling will be directed to press “1” on their touch-tone phone to be directed to an operator who can answer questions.

Kansans with questions about the virus can email H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov. Information is also available from KDHE at www.kdheks.gov.