July 10, 2009

State Public Health Director Presents at All-Day H1N1 Flu Preparedness Summit to Further Prepare For the Possibility of A More Severe Outbreak Of H1N1 Flu In The Fall

3,259 confirmed and probable H1N1 influenza cases, 14 deaths in Illinois  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaking at a national summit this week on H1N1 flu preparedness, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, stressed the need to prepare for the possibility the fall flu season could be more severe than normal.

Dr. Arnold joined public health and emergency preparedness leaders from the around the nation yesterday at a day-long H1N1 flu preparedness summit at the National Institute of Health. The goal of the summit was to launch a national influenza campaign by bringing federal, state and local officials, emergency managers, educators and others together with the nation's public health experts to build on and tailor states' existing pandemic plans, share lessons learned and best practices during the spring and summer H1N1 wave, and discuss preparedness priorities.

“We cannot become complacent about the H1N1 influenza virus. While the number of new cases in Illinois has slowed, the Department continues to report new cases. It is also possible the impact of H1N1 may worsen in the fall during the regular flu season,” said Dr. Arnold. “W e will continue to prepare for the possibility of a more severe outbreak of H1N1 flu in the fall by updating our pandemic preparedness plans using lessons learned from this spring.”

Dr. Arnold reminds the public that the H1N1 influenza is still circulating in Illinois and people should continue to take steps to stay healthy and limit the spread of the virus. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting 3,259 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 influenza in Illinois, including 14 deaths.

County breakdown of Illinois H1N1 influenza related deaths:

• 5 – Chicago
• 6 – Suburban Cook County
• 1 – Kane County
• 1 – Lake County
• 1 – LaSalle County

For confidentiality reasons and out of respect for the families, the Illinois Department of Public Health is not releasing any additional information about the 14 deaths.

To stay healthy, follow the three C’s:

Clean – properly wash your hands frequently

Cover – cover your cough and sneeze

Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick

The Department will remain consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting protocols and will update H1N1 influenza cases and deaths on its Web site, www.idph.state.il.us, once a week on Fridays. Local health departments will have the most updated information. If there is a discrepancy between the state numbers and local health department number, data from the local health departments should be used as the most accurate number. A breakdown of H1N1 influenza cases in Illinois by county is also on the IDPH Web site.