Hamilton County Coroner O'dell Owens and the Hamilton County Health Department have confirmed the first H1N1 virus death in the county.
Matthew "Skinny" McIntosh, 19, was found in a barn near his home in Moores Hill, Indiana on June 28. He was taken to University Hospital on June 30. He died at the hospital on July 5.
University Hospital reports that his sister, Melinda McIntosh, 26, remains in critical condition.
Kristine Spielmann, a friend who also became sick, was released from University Hospital on Tuesday.
Friends thought all three may have possibly gotten sick after cleaning out a shed.
Owens says they have notified the Indiana Health Department thatMcIntosh had a confirmed case of the virus also known as the Swine Flu.
The Indiana State Health Commissioner, Judy Monroe, M.D., says health officials are working to investigate and talk with people who may have been exposed to the case.
“I would like to extend my sympathies to the family for their loss,” said Dr. Monroe. “We know the virus is still circulating in the state, and we have been concerned that there would be fatalities.”
A 40-year-old Butler County man died from the H1N1 virus on June 29. The Ohio Department of Health says it was the first death in Ohio related to the pandemic strain of the H1N1 virus.
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization or WHO declared a global pandemic of H1N1 virus was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. At the time, more than 70 countries had reported cases of virus.
Over 300 people have died from the virus worldwide according to the World Health Organization. There have been 170 H1N1 related deaths in the United States. Around 3,000 people have been hospitalized related to the virus.
The ODH encourages Ohioans to take the following actions to help stay healthy:
- 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 sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick to limit contact with others and the spread of disease.
As of Wednesday, July 10, the ODH was reporting 147 confirmed and probable cases of the virus in Ohio. Indiana has 273 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1
You can get more information at the ODH Web site, or by calling the toll-free H1N1 information line at 1-866-800-1404 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m..
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