Tue 6 Mar 2012
Source: 4 NBC Washington [edited]
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Investigation-Begins-in-Mysterious-Calvert-Co-Deaths-141560013.html
Cluster of deaths following flu-like symptoms in Calvert County
An 81 year old woman was the 1st to become sick, in late February. The woman’s 3 adult children, 2 daughters and a son, traveled to her home to care for her. Subsequently, they became sick with similar health problems.
According to the health department, the 81 year old who died presented symptoms of respiratory illness on 23 Feb 2012 and died on 1 Mar 2012. The children showed symptoms around 28 Feb 2012, and were hospitalized in critical condition. Several days later, the 58 year old son and the 56 year old daughter died, and the 3rd daughter remains hospitalized.
Health officer David Rogers, in a statement released on 6 Mar 2012, said the county health department does not believe the illness represents a widespread health threat. “The cases appear to be confined to a single family,” Rogers wrote, “and there are currently no other affected individuals at this time. CCHD is not recommending any protective actions for the general public.”
In an earlier statement, the county erroneously reported 4 deaths.
The department recommends people with flu-like symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat contact their doctors to see if they would benefit from antiviral or other medications. Currently, county health officials are not advising any specific preventive measures.
CCHD sent a message to area residents to say it was working together with health care providers to monitor the situation and determine a cause for the respiratory illness. A spokesperson told News4 the victims’ proximity to the power plant was not believed to be a factor.
On Monday afternoon, a crew of health workers dressed in hazardous material suits entered the woman’s house and collected more samples for testing.
Update on Calvert County Respiratory Illness Investigation
Preliminary Testing Indicates Influenza
Dori Henry
Director of Communications
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
BALTIMORE (March 6, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is working in conjunction with the Calvert County Health Department to investigate a cluster of respiratory illnesses in Calvert County. As the Calvert County Health Department has reported, DHMH is aware of four cases in adults from a single family with severe respiratory illness; three have died. At this time, no other similar clusters have been reported from Calvert County or elsewhere in the state.
The cause for these illnesses is under investigation and testing is being conducted by the DHMH Laboratories Administration. Preliminary testing at the DHMH Laboratories Administration indicates that two of the fatal cases had influenza, and these cases may have been complicated by bacterial co-infections. Bacterial co-infection is a known complication of influenza infection. Additional testing is being conducted for all cases.
DHMH recommends all individuals continue to take the following precautions during influenza season: hand washing, staying home if sick, and staying up to date with influenza vaccinations. DHMH also reminds Maryland residents with influenza-like illness (fever and sore throat or cough) to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation. DHMH is not recommending any additional measures at this time. The Department will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
There have been no new cases reported as of 11:30 p.m. {EST}
For current info call 410-535-5400 x349
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MY BS meter went off on this.
1. If it is flu it is one bad flu.
2. Seems like a calm-down message more that real science.