For Immediate Release:
Dec. 19, 2006

Contact:
Brian Quinn, Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

State Health Department Reports Season's First Confirmed Flu Case

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) today announced the first laboratory, viral culture-confirmed influenza case of the 2006-07 winter season, according to Jane Drummond, director of the state health department. On December 8, one case of influenza was confirmed by Missouri’s State Public Health Laboratory. The case of influenza A was reported in a child from southeast Missouri.
DHSS also emphasized that this case is not avian influenza, nor is it part of a wider influenza pandemic, but simply the beginning of Missouri’s annual flu season.

“We want to remind Missourians, especially those who are considered high risk for influenza complications, that there is plenty of time to get their flu shots,” said Drummond. “People should consult their health care providers or their local health departments to locate influenza vaccine.”

Manufacturers have supplied more than 100 million doses of flu vaccine in the United States this season, more vaccine supplied than in any other season. Some vaccine deliveries have been later than originally anticipated, so it is important to keep checking to find the vaccine.
Persons who should be especially concerned about being vaccinated are:

• All children aged 6-59 months,
• Adults aged 50 years of age or older,
• Person aged 5-49 years with underlying chronic medical conditions,
• All women who will be pregnant during influenza season,
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities,
• Children 6 months-18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy,
• All health care workers, and
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months old.

Drummond added that people over age 65 and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes should discuss obtaining pneumonia vaccine with their physicians. The vaccine is effective in preventing many types of pneumonia, the major complication from influenza. 

People can also protect themselves from the flu and other communicable diseases by practicing healthy habits such as regular handwashing, eating well, and getting enough sleep and exercise.