Putnam Records First Case of H1N1

Putnam County has recorded its first case of H1N1 influenza.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler brought the news to members of the Putnam Legislature’s Health Committee last week.

Dr. Amler said a child was diagnosed with the H1N1 strain of influenza by a local pediatrician and the case was confirmed by the New York State Health Department. Dr. Amler also advised committee members Sam Oliverio, Vincent Tamagna, and Tony Fusco, along with Legislators Mary Conklin, Dan Birmingham, Dini LoBue, and Tony Hay, who were also in attendance, that an “influenza like illness cluster has been reported in the elementary school where the H1N1 confirmation was made.”

Dr. Amler did not identify the school or its location. She said there was “another specimen” pending in a teenager in a different school district.

According to the commissioner, New York State is currently experiencing more cases of H1N1 influenza than seasonal flu. No pediatric deaths have been reported in New York State through last week but since September 1, the state has recorded three adult deaths—two between the ages of 18 and 24 and one over the age of 65.

In Putnam County, health officials have vaccinated more than 1,300 residents and health care workers against seasonal flu, with a clinic scheduled for today (Thursday) at Carmel Fire Department headquarters. A clinic was also held on Monday in Garrison.

Dr. Amler told the lawmakers that the Health Department will be receiving free seasonal flu vaccine from the state in the next week and will be sponsoring largescale points of distribution in both the Brewster School District and Haldane School District.

H1N1 vaccine has begun trickling into the county. Dr. Amler said once enough vaccine is available it will be distributed.

Meanwhile the Centers for Disease Control confirmed this week that 37 states are reporting widespread flu activity with 16 pediatric deaths reported— eleven during the past week—bringing the U.S. total to 92.

The number of H1N1 related illness from September 1 through last week nationwide has resulted in more than 16,500 hospitalizations.

Dr. Amler has stressed that pregnant women should get H1N1 vaccine when available, along with young children and adults with chronic illness such as asthma, chronic lung disease, and heart disease.

The commissioner said senior citizens will not receive the H1N1 vaccine initially: “We are concerned about vaccinating those who are most at risk, and the seniors don’t seem to be having an issue with this strain of flu.”

Information is available at the Health Department by calling the Influenza hotline at 845-278-6130.