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South Dakota reports first lab-confirmed influenza of season

Press Release

Date: Nov. 8, 2007
Location: Pierre, SD
Issues: Health and Health Care

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Health today reported the state's first laboratory-confirmed influenza case of the 2007-2008 season, a Custer County resident in the 30 to 39 age group. Influenza B was confirmed at the USD Virology Laboratory in Rapid City.

"Vaccine is readily available this year and there is still time to be vaccinated," said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, State Epidemiologist for the department.

"We especially encourage parents to take advantage of the free flu vaccine the state is offering for kids from six months of age to 18 years. Kids make up a significant percentage of our flu cases and flu hospitalizations each year and really should be vaccinated to protect themselves and the people around them."

Dr. Kightlinger said others who are at high risk and should be vaccinated include pregnant women, people over 50 years and people with chronic medical conditions. Vaccination is also recommended for health-care workers and household contacts of high risk populations.
The department recommends vaccination well into December and even in January, since the flu season doesn't typically peak until February.

In addition, South Dakotans are urged to prevent the spread of the flu by practicing the common sense hygiene measures of the department's "Stop It, Don't Spread It" campaign:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand gel if you can't wash;
* Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
* Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth;
* If you're sick stay home.

Influenza is a viral respiratory illness marked by the sudden onset of fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, sending the highly contagious virus into the air. Each year in the U.S., influenza results in an average of 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations.
For more information about influenza, visit the department's web at http://flu.sd.gov.


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