H1N1 UPDATE
H1N1 City Response
(June 24, 2009)New Cases of H1N1 Flu
(June 3, 2009)Four new cases of H1N1 Flu in children under age 12 have been confirmed in Lubbock County. Three of the children were relatives of a school-aged child who was visiting from Arizona. The child from Arizona had previously tested positive.
The fourth case was sent to Austin for testing by a private lab. State health officials then notified health officials in Lubbock.
Healthcare professionals have notified the families of the diagnosis of H1N1 Flu.
Due to procedural changes by the State Health Department, these tests should be the final ones analyzed by the Region 1 Lab. Routine testing is no longer recommended. Individuals with flu-like symptoms are advised to remain at home and treat their symptoms in the same manner that they treat seasonal influenza: rest, drink fluids, and take analgesics for fever. High risk individuals and those with severe or prolonged illness should consult their healthcare professional.
New Positive Case of H1N1 Flu in Lubbock County
(May 29, 2009)One new case of H1N1 flu has been confirmed in Lubbock County. The case is a school-age female. Healthcare professionals have notified the family of the diagnosis of H1N1 Flu, and the school has notified other students who might possibly have been exposed to the case.
Now that Lubbock County and the surrounding counties have several confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza, routine testing is no longer recommended. Individuals with flu-like symptoms should remain at home and treat their symptoms in the same manner that they treat seasonal influenza: rest, drink fluids, and take analgesics for fever. High risk individuals and those with severe or prolonged illness should consult their healthcare professional.
Three New Positive Cases of H1N1 Flu
(May 28, 2009)Three new cases of H1N1 flu have been confirmed in the South Plains region. The three new cases are: a 35-50 year old female from Bailey County, a school-age male from Dawson County, and a school-age male from Arizona visiting relatives in Lubbock. Healthcare professionals have notified the families of the diagnosis of H1N1 Flu.
Health officials remind you that H1N1 flu is a mild strain of influenza, and if you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms please follow the same precautions that you would for the seasonal flu.
Second Case Reported
(May 22, 2009)A second case of H1N1 flu has been confirmed in Lubbock County. The case is a relative of the child that was the County’s first positive case. This second case was already being treated for flu-like symptoms, and is staying at home during this time. A healthcare professional has notified the family of the diagnosis of H1N1 Flu.
Nancy Haney, Director of the Lubbock Health Department, said, "Because of the nature of the first case, we expected this case to be positive. We encourage people to not panic and take precautions for this mild strain of influenza."
First Case Reported
(May 20, 2009)One case of H1N1 flu has been confirmed in Lubbock County. The case is a small child, less than five years old (not school age). A healthcare professional has notified the family of the diagnosis of H1N1 Flu. The child has been treated with Tamiflu and is recovering at home.
The Lubbock Health Department continues to advise everyone to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of any illness:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water especially before handling food, after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, and after being around someone who may be sick.
- If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Cough or sneeze into a facial tissue (then dispose of tissue) or into your shirt sleeve if a tissue is not available.
- Stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms to prevent spreading the illness to others, or seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen. Due to overcrowding at emergency rooms, please visit your private physician or an urgent care clinic before trying the emergency room.
For more information contact:Nancy Haney, Director of Health Department, (806) 775-2899
(Posted on Friday, September 11, 2009)