July 28, 2011 - 6:50pm
Washtenaw County reports its first H1N1 death
BY ESHWAR THIRUNAVUKKARASU
Officials at the Washtenaw County Public Health Department confirmed the death of an afflicted Ypsilanti resident in a press release issued earlier today. The death is the first reported local H1N1-linked fatality.
The individual was described as an adult with no known underlying health issues prior to contracting the virus. Public Health officials have not disclosed any additional information to protect the privacy of the affected family and friends of the deceased.
Hospitalization rates for Washtenaw County are at peak highs this year with the greatest incidence of H1N1 affecting individuals aged between 18 and 24 years, according to the press release.
The Washtenaw County Public Health Department has urged local residents to be conscious of the influenza spread, recommending frequent hand washing and acquisition of the H1N1 vaccination if they are in an identified high priority group.
As of September 1, there have been 27 reported H1N1-linked deaths in the state of Michigan. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate the nationwide death toll to reach about 4,000 for the upcoming flu season.
