Contact: Thomas J. Moran NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tel ...
Contact: Thomas J. Moran NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tel ...
Contact: Thomas J. Moran NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tel ...
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Charlie Crist<br />
Governor<br />
Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H.<br />
State Surgeon General<br />
<strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Thomas</strong> J. <strong>Moran</strong><br />
<strong>NEWS</strong> <strong>FOR</strong> <strong>IMMEDIATE</strong> <strong>RELEASE</strong><br />
<strong>Tel</strong>. (863) 382-7285 September 11, 2009<br />
Cell Phone: (863) 235-4018<br />
Email: <strong>Thomas</strong>_<strong>Moran</strong>@doh.state.fl.us<br />
Information on Tragic Death<br />
Sebring, FL— The Highlands County Health Department has received notification today of a death<br />
of a 14 year old male resident with no reported pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses other<br />
than flu like symptoms and a high fever the past few days.<br />
“Our deepest sympathies are extended to family and friends” said Robert Palussek, Director of the<br />
Highlands County Health Department. Since the only prior symptoms were that of a high fever and<br />
flu, the Highlands County Health Department is monitoring this situation closely as we are currently<br />
experiencing an Influenza Pandemic world wide. At this time there is no confirmation that this<br />
death was the result of H1N1 Swine Flu. Since May of this year, 37 residents have been confirmed<br />
with H1N1 in Highlands County and this appears to be mirroring the state and national trends where<br />
the majority of cases are concentrated in children.<br />
The Highlands County Health Department would like to remind everyone to wash their hands<br />
frequently, stay home from work or school if they feel ill, and cover their mouths with a tissue or their<br />
sleeve if they are coughing. These common sense precautions will greatly reduce the risk of<br />
transmission of all flu virus whether seasonal or H1N1 Swine Flu.<br />
While most cases of H1N1 Swine Flu are mild, there are exceptions. The Centers for Disease Control<br />
and Prevention (CDC) has advised people with chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women<br />
to be especially vigilant to prevent against infection. If someone experiences flu-like symptoms they<br />
should contact their health care providers or hospital for instructions about receiving treatment.<br />
People experiencing cough, fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and sore throat, possibly<br />
along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. If you think you have influenza,<br />
please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office,<br />
emergency department or stay home.<br />
For more information on H1N1 Swine Flu, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Individuals can also<br />
visit www.MyFluSafety.com for information on H1N1 Swine Flu and Florida. Additionally the Florida<br />
Flu Information Line is 1-877-352-3581 and has been established to inform the public requesting<br />
H1N1 Swine Flu information.<br />
“The Highlands County Health Department will provide all new information as it develops” said<br />
<strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>Moran</strong>, Planning Consultant,<br />
HIGHLANDS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT<br />
7205 S. George Blvd., Sebring, Florida 33875-5847<br />
<strong>Tel</strong>: (863) 386-6040 Fax: (863) 386-6048<br />
Website: www.HealthyHighlands.com
Media Note: To safeguard patient privacy, the Highlands County Health Department does not report<br />
on the clinical details of individual cases. All patient information reported to the Highlands County<br />
Health Department is pursuant to Section 381.0031 F.S. and are considered confidential medical<br />
records that are exempt from the public records law. ###
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