First H1N1 flu death reported in Iowa

Iowa has recorded its first death attributable to H1N1 novel influenza A.

The state Department of Public Health confirmed Monday that an Iowan has died from H1N1, the so-called swine flu. Because of confidentiality laws, officials with the state public health agency said they were prohibited from releasing identifying details about the case.

"Our sympathies go to the family and loved ones of the individual who died," said Tom Newton, director of the state Department of Public Health.

"For most people, the H1N1 virus is causing mild illness. This death reminds us that the virus continues to circulate in Iowa and does have the potential to cause severe illness and death,” he added.

Currently, state officials have confirmed at least 208 cases of H1N1 novel influenza A in Iowa. However, health officials no longer are classifying H1N1 as a reportable disease since a public health disaster declaration expired on May 31. H1N1 now is being treated in the same way as seasonal flu in Iowa, according to the public health agency.

Newton said it is important that Iowans continue to take simple precautions to help prevent getting or spreading the virus. Those precautions included washing hands frequently and always washing hands after coughing or sneezing, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue, sleeve or elbow., not into your hands.

Health officials advise that if a person feels ill, he or she should stay home. Also, children should not go to daycare or summer camp if they feel ill.

For more information about novel influenza A (H1N1), visit

www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/.