Two H1N1 Flu Suspects confirmed in Webb County

The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) has received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on two (2) positive Influenza A H1N1 suspect cases. Both students, 13 and 14 years of age attend Washington Middle School. Both have fully recovered and there are no secondary cases as all preventive treatment and precautions were provided.
Since both students were out during their infectious period due to the school closing, there is no concern on additional spread at this time. We will remain vigilant working closely with school officials excluding any student that is sick as is normal and customary. Parents at Washington Middle School will be provided information through their school officials. If any parent has any questions they can call the Health Department as well. All schools will continue to work with the Health Department to monitor all flu like illness.

Public health officials will continue to monitor vulnerable and susceptible populations to ensure positive outcomes if someone is exposed and/or infected. Again knowing what we now know, this novel Influenza A H1N1 virus now seems to be acting just like seasonal Flu. Because of the widespread throughout the United States, as well as the region, it now seems as if there is another flu season with this new H1N1. Therefore, all should remain cautious and alert, but not alarmed or panicked.

Individuals should continue practicing preventive measures with hygiene and respiratory precautions (cover mouth when cough and wash hands, cover with tissue and wash hands, cough into your elbow and wash hands, wash before and after using bathroom facilities and before you handle food). Schools are no longer any more at risk than the rest of the community however school officials and nurses have been advised to continue monitoring for flu like illness and if meets the case definition,we ask that you exclude children from school for 7 days as per CDC/DSHS guidance.
Summary of H1N1 Laredo activities:

… Received alert on April 24, 2009 from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
… Notified and provided status to city, county, state and federal partners, entities, and leadership.
… Notified and provided ongoing recommendations and guidance to schools, hospitals, and physicians
… Opened and MOC/Incident command.
… Answered and/or screened over 2000 persons at the Health Department.
… Gave out 350 doses of antivirals
… Distributed 125 rapid tests, culture media, N95 masks for medical personnel for both Laredos.
… Had instant radio communication with Dr. Campbell from Nuevo Laredo.
… All physicians and hospitals saw a major rise of the worried well, medical community provided a
great service to address patient care and report to the Health Department.

Backlog in testing for Laredo.

24 (sent Monday, April 27, 2009)

Verbal Confirmation Received Wednesday, May 6, 2009:
13 samples-unable to test 11 Negative

Additional Samples based on priority (received late Saturday, May 9, 2009):
2 confirmed
3 pending to be tested
32 Negative

Total: 62 samples–Includes 1 probable (pending confirmation from CDC and was sent from
Baylor Medical Center to DSHS)

All preventive and precautionary measures have been taken to prevent secondary spread of any suspect.

For further information please contact our hotline at (956) 795-4921.