Tests on Second Case Inconclusive; Another ‘Probable’ Case Identified as Additional Antiviral Medicine Arrives in State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             CONTACT: Rich Harris, 860-524-7313

May 1, 2009                                                              rich.harris@ct.gov

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that one of two samples sent from Connecticut to the federal Centers for Disease Control for further testing is positive for H1N1 influenza or “swine flu.” Results from the second sample were inconclusive and additional testing by CDC is planned.

            The samples are from the first two cases identified as “probable” cases of H1N1 flu in Connecticut. Both are from adults – one from Stratford and one from Southbury – who had reported recent travel to Mexico. The CDC said the positive sample came from the person in Stratford. Both people have recovered without needing to be hospitalized.

            “This is news we had anticipated,” Governor Rell said. “It is important to remember that these cases involve people whose illness was relatively mild, since they are now feeling better and never needed hospitalization. While there is no vaccine yet for H1N1 flu, we do have antiviral medications that can shorten the duration and the severity of the illness and we are monitoring very closely for additional cases.

            “Connecticut has made great strides in recent years in preparing for major outbreaks of illness,” the Governor said. “The most important thing to do right now is to stay informed and to take common-sense steps to protect your health and the health of your family.”

            Meanwhile, state Department of Public Health officials said a new “probable” case of H1N1 flu has been identified in an adult resident of Fairfield. The specimen was tested at the DPH laboratory and was determined to be a “non-subtypeable” strain of Influenza A, which means that the virus is not regular seasonal flu. The specimen is being forwarded to the CDC to determine whether the virus is the H1N1 flu.

            “None of the probable cases reported in Connecticut so far have required hospitalization,” stated DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. “This is a good sign and shows that most of these cases will be able to be treated at home. Unless it is an emergency, people who are concerned about their symptoms should see their primary care physician or a community health center for treatment. If it is an emergency, then they should seek urgent care.”

            Also today, Governor Rell announced that a portion of the antiviral medication she requested from federal stockpiles has arrived in the state. Earlier this week Governor Rell directed state health officials to distribute more than 9,100 treatment courses of the antiviral medications – Tamiflu or Relenza – to the state’s 31 acute-care hospitals. Each treatment course is a 10-day supply of the medication.

            The state already had more than 11,000 treatment courses stockpiled as part of its overall planning for widespread illness. Governor Rell’s request for a portion of the state’s allotment from the Strategic National Stockpile will bring a total of 134,000 additional treatment courses to the state.

            For more information on H1N1 influenza or “swine flu”, see these Web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
• Connecticut Flu Watch: www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/swineflu
• Connecticut Department of Public Health: www.ct.gov/dph
• Call 2-1-1

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