Fifth possible swine flu death under investigation; 259 cases confirmed to date

Editor's note: Two news releases from the city of El Paso. For background, click here.

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June 25, 2009 – The City of El Paso Department of Public Health is investigating the death of an 82-year-old Central El Paso County man, who was recently hospitalized with an influenza-like illness.

Laboratory tests conducted confirmed that he had novel H1N1 Flu (swine flu). This is the fifth fatality in El Paso County to date associated with the novel virus.

To date El Paso County has had 259 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza. The vast majority of the individuals affected have recovered. Most cases have been mild.

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Update: H1N1 Influenza

June 24, 2009 – The City of El Paso Department of Public Health is investigating the death of a 59-year-old Northeast El Paso County man, who was recently hospitalized with an influenza-like illness.

Laboratory tests conducted confirmed that he had novel H1N1 Flu (swine flu). This is the fourth fatality in El Paso County to date associated with the novel virus.

El Paso County has confirmed 244 cases of H1N1 influenza to date. Most of these cases have been mild and did not require hospitalization.

The Department of Public Health is continuing its surveillance of influenza-like illnesses in El Paso County, and is working in close partnership with health care providers, hospitals, and other health organizations to monitor the spread of the virus.

Citizens can protect themselves from getting and spreading the flu by:
• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

For more information about H1N1 Flu the public may call 2-1-1.