VDH confirms 1st local swine flu death

RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Department of Health  confirms to WAVY.com a person has died in the Chesapeake Health District as a result of the swine flu.

The victim is 34-year-old April Wilson. State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley made the announcement on Tuesday. Dr. Remley says Wilson was a resident of the Southeastern Virginia Training Center. Dr. Remley says Wilson had preexisting medical conditions that increased the risk of complications from the H1N1 virus.

"We are deeply saddened by this death and offer our condolences to the family," Dr. Remley said.

Wilson's mother, Alice Johnson, told WAVY.com her daughter was a resident at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center for 19 years.

Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement regarding the Commonwealth’s first confirmed swine flu death:

“Although this particular individual—a resident at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center—had serious underlying health conditions that likely exacerbated the impact of the H1N1 virus, it is important that all Virginians take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones against spreading germs during the normal course of the flu season. Individuals with symptoms should be particularly cautious and take proactive measures to prevent infection and spread of the disease.

“I know all Virginians join me in offering our sympathies to the family for their deep personal loss,” Governor Kaine added.

"Unfortunately," Dr. Remley added, "a death associated with the new virus was not unexpected, given the history of influenza-related deaths."

The woman who died and 3 other residents had positive tests for swine flu. Health officials are still waiting on the test result for a 5th patient. All 5 lived in the same building.

Chesapeake Health Director, Dr. Nancy Welch said, "All of these individuals are from a cottage where only the medically fragile reside. That makes it an especially challenging situation to help these young people."

Welch said staff members are using strict infection prevention measures. Gloves, masks, and gowns are being used at the cottage, where five residents still live. They are taking Tamiflu because they were exposed to the virus, and already have serious existing medical conditions.

Two residents who have been released from the hospital are being kept in isolation.
Two others are still hospitalized.

"The quick action of the facility's staff in obtaining medical care for the patient and its infection control measures has been exceptional," Dr. Remley said.

Dr. Remley urged all Virginians to take precautions in guarding against the flu. People are advised to protect their health against influenza and other infectious diseases by:

• Staying home from work or school when ill and limiting their contact with others to keep from infecting them
• Calling their health care providers or their health department before seeking care for influenza-like illness so that the necessary infection control measures can be put in place
• Covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after use
• Washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Limiting close contact with sick people
• Preventing the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth

Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement regarding the Commonwealth’s first confirmed death associated with the H1N1 influenza virus commonly known as "swine flu":

"The news today that the Commonwealth has witnessed its first death associated with the H1N1 influenza virus is a sad and sharp reminder that Virginians must remain vigilant against the spread of this potentially fatal illness. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young woman who passed away this afternoon in Chesapeake.

Although this particular individual - a resident at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center - had serious underlying health conditions that likely exacerbated the impact of the H1N1 virus, it is important that all Virginians take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones against spreading germs during the normal course of the flu season. Individuals with symptoms should be particularly cautious and take proactive measures to prevent infection and spread of the disease.

I know all Virginians join me in offering our sympathies to the family for their deep personal loss."