The Brazos County Health Department is monitoring a still-unidentified flu-like illness in a neighboring county.
The Montgomery County Public Health District has posted on its website that 1,920 suffered influenza like illnesses. Eight people were hospitalized, and four have died. Montgomery County officials say no diagnosis has been made. The patients have tested negative for common flu strains but are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Back in Brazos County, a news release issued Tuesday afternoon states there are no similar cases in Brazos County. They are in contact with local hospitals as well as regional and state officials.
Below is the news release from the Brazos County Health Department:
In response to reports concerning a “mystery” illness in a nearby county, the Brazos County Health Department contacted the Texas Department of State Health Services Region 7 and local hospitals. There does not appear to be any similar activity in our county at this time. We will continue to work closely with the state health department and local hospitals and will provide more information as it becomes available. This is a good opportunity to remind everyone to get vaccinated for the flu.
From the Montgomery County Public Health District website:
For the 2013 influenza season there have been 1920 influenza-like-illnesses (ILI) within Montgomery County. Montgomery County Public Health District was alerted of eight cases at an area facility due to the severity of the cases. Of the eight reported, four patients have died.
At the moment, no diagnosis has been made. Those affected are experiencing flu-like symptoms but have tested negative for common flu strains. The patients are currently housed at an area hospital awaiting further laboratory test results in an effort to determine the nature of the illness. Montgomery County Public Health District officials are monitoring the situation closely and will provide more information as it arises.
It is important to remember that during any influenza season that common infection control practices are the best way to prevent the spread of infection. This includes:
· Frequent hand washing with soap and water/hand sanitizer
· Coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow to avoid contamination of the hands
· Avoiding public places if you have a fever (a temperature of 100.4° f)
· Avoid sending sick children to school
· Adults should avoid going to work or public places if they have fever or ILI symptoms; if they must go to work or public places, they should wear a mask
· If you develop ILI symptoms, you should seek care by a physician because treatment for influenza is most helpful within the first 48 hours of the illness