pressreleases/2011/flu_cases_identified-05092011 ~ DHSS Press Release – Delaware Health and Social Services – State of Delaware

DHSS Press Release




Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Carl Kanefsky, Communications Director
(302) 255-9047, Pager
Email: carl.kanefsky@delaware.gov

Date: May 9, 2011
DHSS-40-2011





ADDITIONAL RESISTANT FLU CASES IDENTIFIED


Continued laboratory testing of flu cases at the request of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms four additional Delaware cases of antiviral-resistant influenza for the 2010 – 2011 flu season. This brings the total number of resistant flu cases to 10.

  • a 2-month-old boy from Sussex County, briefly hospitalized.
  • a 7-year-old girl from Sussex County, did not require hospitalization.
  • a 45-year-old woman from Sussex County, who died Feb. 24. This was the second flu death of the 2010-2011 flu season, and was announced Feb. 25
  • a 28-year-old man from New Castle County, briefly hospitalized.

More test results are pending as DPH partners with a CDC disease investigation. The CDC requested that DPH increase its testing as an initial step in exploring the presence of anti-viral resistant strains in the U.S. Since this year’s flu activity is winding down, these findings will help CDC develop revised recommendations if needed, for next year.

Four influenza antiviral medications are approved for use in the United States: oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu), zanamivir (brand name Relenza), amantadine (Symmetrel, generic) and rimantadine (Flumadine, generic).

Stay informed about the latest developments on the flu by visiting www.flu.delaware.gov



Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.