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Local man dies of swine flu

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 2:54 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

HAMILTON — A 46-year-old Hamilton man, who was infected with swine flu, has died from the illness, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

The man died Monday, June 29, and reportedly had underlying health problems that may have contributed to his death, ODH officials said.

He is the first Ohio death linked to the pandemic flu, also known at H1N1.

The man began suffering flu-like symptoms Sunday, June 21, and was treated at Fort Hamilton Hospital, said Dr. William Karwisch, director of Hamilton’s health department.

The H1N1 infection was confirmed at the ODH laboratory today, Thursday, July 2.

“Our hearts go out to this man’s family and loved ones,” said ODH Director Dr. Alvin D. Jackson.

“This is a sad, and not entirely unexpected event as influenza and its complications cause some 3,000 deaths annually in Ohio, ranking it among the top 10 causes of death. We continue to urge Ohioans to take proper precautions and will monitor the situation closely.”

Health officials say swine flu, so far, has not proven to be more dangerous than seasonal flu, but pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are more at risk.

The Hamilton man is one of four Butler County residents to test positive for the novel virus. The other local cases include a 30-year-old man, and two girls ages 13 and 15.

As of Wednesday, July 1, there were 108 confirmed and six probable H1N1 cases statewide.

Worldwide, there have been 332 deaths caused by the virus, including 127 in the United States, according to the World Health Organization.

State and local health officials are now trying to determine if the disease has spread and whether public health intervention is needed.

Jackie Phillips, Middletown Health Department nursing director, urged residents to remain calm and to expect the virus to continue to spread.

“We will probably continue to see these cases (spread) in the community and expect to see deaths, almost the same as (seasonal) influenza cases,’’ Phillips said.

Dr. Karwisch stressed that people with underlying health conditions should consult a doctor if they feel ill.

“People with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, pregnancy (and other diseases) that are experiencing a flu-like illness should contact their physician and make them aware of that and decide whether or not treatment is warranted.’’

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2180 or tlatta@coxohio.com.

Health officials urge residents to use basic precautions to stay healthy:

• 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 sanitizers are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

• Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.

Health officials urge basic precautions to stay healthy:

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 sanitizers are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.

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