Swine flu death confirmed in Carson

A 51-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions died Friday at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, according to the city Health and Human Services Department.

It was the first swine-flu-related death in Carson City.

The patient was visiting the Carson City area. The health department did not release additional details due to patient privacy concerns.

H1N1 has been confirmed in every county in Northern Nevada. The virus continues to circulate in Carson City, and health officials anticipate additional illness and possibly deaths due to H1N1. Officials foresee the number of cases increasing in the coming weeks as flu season begins.

The Centers for Disease Control expects that localized outbreaks will continue to occur during the summer and that there will be patients who experience serious illness. However, a majority of people in the United States have experienced mild illness.

Even though H1N1 is receiving a lot of attention, it is important to remember that seasonal flu accounts for approximately 36,000 deaths annually in the United States, health officials said in a statement.

The health department said it continues to collaborate with community partners and health care providers to monitor the current situation, and is working to finalize plans to combat the virus once the vaccine becomes available in the fall.

Health officials encourage the public to use good health habits to minimize the spread of flu:

• 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 cleaners are also effective.

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

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Individuals who become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, couching, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should contact their health care provider.