Cleveland County Minor Dies From H1N1 Flu

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY - A Cleveland County teen has died from complications from the H1N1 virus, state health officials confirmed Thursday.

The strain of the influenza virus led to serious medical complications for the girl, health officials said. It is the third H1N1 death in Oklahoma since the outbreak began this spring and the first death of someone under the age of 18.

In all three cases, the patients had underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk of complications from influenza.

"We are very sad to learn of this young person's death," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline. "The loss of a child is always tragic and we extend our sympathies to the family."

Two children died from seasonal influenza in Oklahoma last year.

With the H1N1 flu circulating in the state, children are going to be exposed to the virus before the vaccine is available, and many may get sick earlier than they might in a normal flu season, Commissioner Cline said.

"Schools are screening and sending children home who have fever and respiratory symptoms," Cline said. "Children with flu-like symptoms should be kept out of school until fever is gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-lowering medications."

In the past week, 40 new hospitalizations have been reported to the OSDH, for a total of 67 since this surveillance began. Thirty-nine of the 67 hospitalizations have been patients under 19 years of age.

"I think that is an important point, is that we know there are a number of medical conditions, especially those that may affect the lungs or the heart or in children," Dr. Kristy Bradley said. "Neurodevelopment disorders are also a high risk condition that could increase their risk for hospitalizations or death from all types of influenza, not just the H1N1 flu."

Most children who acquire H1N1 influenza have mild to moderate illness similar to regular seasonal influenza.

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some persons also report diarrhea and vomiting.

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