A Lyon County man died of swine flu on Friday at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center becoming the first tri-county person to succumb to the virus, according to Carson City Health and Human Services Director Marena Works.
The name of the patient, a man in the 25-49 age group, or details surrounding the death, could not be released due to federal privacy regulations, Works said.
H1N1 has been confirmed in every county in Northern Nevada. The virus continues to circulate in Carson City and health officials anticipate that additional illness and possibly deaths due to novel H1N1 will be reported.
Officials also foresee the number of cases will increase in the coming weeks and months as flu season begins. The CDC expects that localized outbreaks will continue to occur throughout the year and that some patients will experience serious illness. However, most patients will recover having 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," Works said in a prepared release. "It is critical to receive a vaccination for seasonal flu, as well."
CCHHS will provide seasonal flu shots to the public free of charge at its annual flu clinic on Oct. 10 from
9 a.m-1 p.m. There will be two locations: a drive-through clinic at the Nevada National Guard and a walk-in clinic at the Carson City Senior Center.
CCHHS continues to collaborate with community partners and health care providers to monitor the current situation. Plans to combat the H1N1 virus, once the vaccine becomes available within a month, are being made.
Individuals who become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should contact their health care provider.
Children, as well as people with certain underlying medical conditions, including pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions and autoimmune disorders are at greater risk for complications from H1N1 influenza. These groups should seek appropriate medical care if they are experiencing severe flu-like symptoms.