Message From O.C Health Department And OEM Coordinator Chief Lawson

The Ocean County Health Department today announced its first death of a county resident, who was confirmed by the State Public Health Laboratory yesterday, with the novel H1N1 virus. In addition, the young child had other underlying medical conditions. The individual, a child from Jackson Township, was admitted to the hospital on June 25th and died on June 27th. Ella Boyd, VMD, Public Health Coordinator, said that residents of Ocean County need to continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves and their families, including: · Wash your hands with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.·Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw away the tissue or cough or sneeze in your sleeve.· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.· Try to avoid contact with people who are ill.· If you are sick, stay home.· Wipe common household/workplace surfaces with disinfectants whose labels report virus-killing properties.· Stay informed about the situation as it evolves from credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/) , the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (www.state.nj.us/heatlh/er/h1n1) or the Ocean County Health Department (http://www.ochd.org/ ). Leslie Terjesen, Ocean County Health Department Public Information Officer, said, “If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, or greater), body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your health care provider.” At this time, most people who have become ill with novel H1N1 virus in the United States have experienced typical flu symptoms and have recovered without complications.