Officials said a girl died on July 18 from complications of H1N1 influenza as well as underlying health conditions, the second reported H1N1 death in King County.
"Our hearts go out to this child's family," said Dr. David Fleming, director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "This tragedy reminds us that the H1N1 virus is still here and children, particularly those with underlying health conditions, are at increased risk for more serious infections. As we expect the virus to become more widespread in the fall, children's health will be a primary concern for us."
Fleming said in a statement that an H1N1 vaccine is in development for local distribution later this year.
However he issued guidelines to help families, schools and local businesses prepare for a wide-scale epidemic starting this fall, including "plans for keeping themselves and their children at home and away from work, school and child cares if they are ill until they are no longer infectious. This also means working with schools to assure learning continues at home whenever possible."
See the complete guidelines at http://www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.
Portland and Seattle
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