H1N1 Influenza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2009

The Southern Nevada Health District received confirmation that four of six samples from children who were ill with flu-like symptoms in a Clark County School District elementary school tested positive for the novel H1N1 influenza A virus. The sample testing was done to determine if an increase in absenteeism at the school was caused by influenza or another virus.

Samples were collected Tuesday morning by Southern Nevada Health District nursing and epidemiology staff. The samples were tested at the Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory. Additional information regarding age, sex or grade of the students will not be released. The school district will receive aggregate information regarding the results. Information about the test results will be provided to parents and their health care providers, if requested.

The health district maintains its current recommendations regarding influenza prevention and school closures. Current guidelines regarding school closure, which is not recommended for the affected school, are posted on the Nevada State Health Division website, www.health.nv.gov. The Southern Nevada Health District advises parents to keep their children home if they are ill and to consult a healthcare provider if they are concerned.

Current recommendations to the public encourage good health habits to minimize the spread of influenza:

• 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 cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Individuals who become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may want to contact their health care provider.

Updated information is available on the Southern Nevada Health District website, www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, www.cdc.gov. In addition, the Nevada Helpline is available in English and Spanish, (1-866) 767-5038 or (702) 759-INFO (4636).

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.