Public health officials have confirmed the first case of H1N1 flu in Reno County, bringing the Kansas total to 79.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported the Reno County case in an update issued late Wednesday.
Riley and Geary counties have had the largest number of confirmed cases with 23 and 18 respectively. Those two counties share the sprawling Fort Riley army base. Riley County also is home to Kansas State University.
Since the first two cases were reported in Dickinson County almost a month ago, health officials have warned that additional cases were expected. So far in Kansas, there have been no deaths and relatively few reported hospitalizations due to the illness.
Local health departments are following guidance provided by KDHE when dealing with confirmed cases, agency officials said, including thorough case investigations and management of patients and their close contacts.
Wyandotte County has reported a total 12 cases of the H1N1 virus since the outbreak began; Johnson County, 11.
Saline County has had seven reported cases.
The other counties with confirmed cases — Dickinson, Ford, Gove, Ottawa, Reno and Sedgwick — each have reported one or two.
It remains to be seen if this flu strain will be more dangerous than those seen in regular seasonal outbreaks. Federal officials say regular, seasonal outbreaks kill on average 36,000 people in the U.S. each year.
“I encourage all Kansans to stay informed and take common-sense steps to reduce their risk of infection,” said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, health director at KDHE. “I can’t stress enough that people who are ill should stay home and give themselves time to get well. This will go a long way to stop the spread of this disease.”
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
Fever greater than 100 degrees;
Body aches;
Coughing;
Sore throat;
Respiratory congestion; and
In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.
Officials said that those who experience the symptoms should contact their health care provider to determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine yet available to protect against the H1N1 flu virus, but there are treatments available once the infection is diagnosed.
KDHE has a phone number for Kansans to call with questions about the H1N1 influenza. The toll-free number is 1-877-427-7317. Operators will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Questions also can be e-mailed to H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov. Information is also available at www.kdheks.gov.