MEDIA ADVISORY

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009

H1N1 Virus Update

The state lab yesterday began performing H1N1 virus testing using a new test provided by the CDC. While the state lab is yet to be certified by the CDC for the H1N1 testing, the state is confident of the results of four cases tested yesterday. Four cases were positive for H1N1 virus; one case was negative. Until the CDC certifies the Colorado state lab, the number of confirmed Colorado cases on the CDC Web site will vary from the number the department now is reporting. [CDC incorrectly reported yesterday the Colorado case count at seven cases, when it was just six cases.]

With the four cases confirmed by the state lab, the department now is reporting 10 confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in Colorado.

The 10 confirmed cases are in the following counties: Adams (4), Arapahoe, Douglas, Eagle, Fremont and Jefferson (2). None were hospitalized; all are recovering.

The new cases reported today are

• • A primary school-age child from Adams County
• • A college-age man from Adams County
• • A primary school-age boy from Jefferson County
• • A woman in her 30s from Fremont County

Previously reported cases are

• • A man in his 20s from Adams County
• • A woman in her 30s from Arapahoe County
• • A man in his 40s from Douglas County
• • A man in his 20s from Eagle County
• • A middle school-age boy from Jefferson County
• • A man in his 20s from Adams County (previously reported as Jefferson County)

People who experience influenza symptoms should stay home for seven days after onset of symptoms or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. The state is working closely with public health officials in the counties where cases are confirmed.

These numbers will continue to change as more specimens are received and evaluated. The department is not providing numbers on reported suspect cases, only lab-confirmed cases. The public can continue to get general information about H1N1 by calling COHELP at 1-877-462-2911. COHELP will return to its regular hours starting May 6. Those hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday-Friday. The recorded messages will continue to be available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. People also can find information by visiting the department’s Web site at www.cdphe.state.co.us. Media should note that the Joint Information Center at the department has been deactivated.

CONTACT: Mark W. Salley, director of communications, Colorado Department of Public Health, 303-692-2013
 

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