Two Probable Cases of H1N1 Virus Reported in Washington County

For Immediate Release: Saturday, May 02, 2009

Washington County's first probable cases of H1N1 Virus were identified late Friday following testing by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. The two cases involve a student at Cornelius Elementary School and an unrelated adult elsewhere in Washington County. Both individuals are at home and recovering.

Additional testing of the two cases will be conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm whether the virus was, in fact, contracted. So far, there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus in Washington County.

"We're glad to report that in this situation, the patients are recovering as we would hope," said Washington County Health Officer Dr. Paul Lewis. "Today's announcement reminds us of how important it is to continue our prevention efforts."

Washington County is working closely with the Oregon Department of Human Services and other Public Health Departments in the four-county Portland region to coordinate information for care providers, schools and the general public.

The Washington County Department of Health and Human Services has activated its Departmental Operations Center to coordinate activities related to the H1N1 flu. Washington County is also working closely with the Forest Grove School District to jointly determine whether the elementary school should be temporarily closed. A final decision about school closure is expected by the end of the weekend.

The county continues to recommend that schools, employers, families and individuals take important prevention efforts outlined on the Washington County Web site in both English and Spanish.

These prevention recommendations include:

• Washing your hands often (soap and water and alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective.)
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cough or sneeze into your arm or onto a tissue, not into your hand.
• Avoid contact with people who are ill.

Washington County health officials recommend that, if individuals have had recent contact with a person or persons with probable or confirmed H1N1 (Swine) flu and have come down with flu symptoms, to contact a doctor.

Those who are sick with symptoms of flu should stay home and not go to work, public gatherings, sporting events, celebrations or any other place where people gather. The flu could be given to others for seven days starting from the first day that symptoms begin.

Further information about the H1N1 virus is available at the Washington County Web site at:

www.co.washington.or.us/flu.cfm.

Contact:
Connie Potter,
Forest Grove School District,
[email protected],
(503) 310-7312

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