FIRST ANTI-VIRAL RESISTANT FLU CASE IDENTIFIED FOR 2011-2012 FLU SEASON RESIDENTS REMINDED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) identified an antiviral-resistant influenza case on March 19 in a 1-year-old child from New Castle County. The child was hospitalized and has fully recovered. This is Delaware's first known case of influenza resistant to oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) for the current flu season.

The case, which is still under investigation, tested positive for influenza A/H1N1 in mid-February. The specimen was part of a random sample submitted for routine anti-viral resistance testing.

"Random sampling is done routinely to determine levels of antiviral resistance," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). "Of 21 Delaware samples tested for resistance from November 23, 2011, to March 12, 2012, only this one case has been found to be anti-viral resistant."

The antibiotic Oseltamivir is the preferred treatment for confirmed cases of influenza. Resistance to oseltamivir is very rare and only 0.5 percent of samples tested by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this season have been found to be oseltamivir-resistant. There is no reason for medical providers to change treatment approaches at this time.

As always, DPH recommends the following precautions for both the public and clinicians:

• Get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccinations are available in most physician's offices and many pharmacies.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs/sneezes with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into the inner elbow and not into the hands.
• Anyone who is sick, should stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever ends. This recommendation includes being fever-free for 24 hours after stopping use of fever reducing medications.
• Employers are encouraged to be flexible with their employees on the issue of staying home when ill.

For additional information, please contact or visit: DPH Bureau of Epidemiology 1-888-295-5156 or 302-744-1033 or at www.flu.delaware.gov or www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2011-2012.htm

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.