July 2, 2009

State Public Health Director Reminds Illinoisans H1N1 Influenza is Still Circulating

3,166 confirmed and probable H1N1 influenza cases, 13 deaths in Illinois  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold is again reminding the public that the H1N1 influenza virus continues to circulate in Illinois and people should continue to take preventative steps to stay healthy and limit the spread of the virus. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting 3,166 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 influenza in Illinois, including 13 deaths.

County breakdown of Illinois H1N1 influenza related deaths:

• 5 – Chicago
• 5 – Suburban Cook County
• 1 – Kane County
• 1 – Lake County
• 1 – LaSalle County

For confidentiality reasons and out of respect for the families, the Illinois Department of Public Health is not releasing any additional information about the 13 deaths.

“Although the rate at which we're seeing new H1N1 influenza virus cases in Illinois has slowed, the Department continues to report new cases and expects this to continue through the summer. That is why it is important for people continue to take preventative measures and practice good hygiene. Doing so will help you avoid becoming sick and spreading illness,” said Dr. Arnold.

To stay healthy, follow the three C’s:

Clean – properly wash your hands frequently

Cover – cover your cough and sneeze

Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick

The Department will remain consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting protocols and will update H1N1 influenza cases and deaths on its Web site, www.idph.state.il.us, once a week on Fridays. Local health departments will have the most updated information. If there is a discrepancy between the state numbers and local health department number, data from the local health departments should be used as the most accurate number. A breakdown of H1N1 influenza cases in Illinois by county is also on the IDPH Web site.