May 22, H1N1 Flu Virus Update

Seven new cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus have been confirmed in Kansas since the last update on Thursday, May 21. Two new cases were identified in GearyCounty, one involving an adult and one involving a child. Five new cases were identified in RileyCounty adults. Todayź??s announcement brings the Kansas total to 69 confirmed cases.

As of Wednesday, May 20, KDHE has informed IrwinArmyCommunityHospital at FortRiley that it is only necessary for specimens to be collected and sent to KDHEź??s laboratories for analysis if the patient is hospitalized with influenza-like illness. Based on the number of cases identified on post, it is clear that the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus is circulating there, so additional laboratory testing is not required under most circumstances. Similar guidance was provided to healthcare providers in Johnson and WyandotteCounties earlier this month. Health care providers in the rest of the state should continue to report suspect cases and test them for evidence of infection with the virus.

As of today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (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 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Confirmed Cases ź?? 69 total

?Ł DickinsonCounty ź?? Two cases involving adults

?Ł FordCounty ź?? One case involving a child

?Ł GearyCounty ź?? 15 cases total involving eight adults and seven children

?Ł JohnsonCounty ź?? 11 cases total involving four adults and seven children

?Ł OttawaCounty ź?? One case involving a child

?Ł RileyCounty ź?? 21 cases total involving 15 adults and six children

?Ł SalineCounty ź?? Five cases total involving one adult and four children

?Ł SedgwickCounty ź?? One case involving a child

?Ł WyandotteCounty ź?? 12 cases total involving one adult and 11 children