Public HealthFirst Novel H1N1 Influenza Cases Confirmed In Baldwin, Colbert And Dale Counties
The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed its first novel H1N1 influenza cases in
Baldwin, Colbert and Dale counties. As of May 29, there are 85 confirmed and 9 probable
cases of novel H1N1 influenza in the state. No deaths have been associated with the virus in
Alabama.
Counties and numbers of confirmed novel H1N1 cases which have been reported in their
residents are as follows: Madison, 35; Montgomery, 8; Etowah, 7; Coffee, 6; Jefferson, 5;
Shelby, 4; Lee, 4; Limestone, 2; Mobile, 2; Pike, 2; Baldwin, 2; Blount, 1; Colbert, 1; Dale, 1;
and county to be determined, 5. The onset of the patients" symptoms occurred between April 20
and May 25.
The ages of those affected range from 7 weeks to 45 years. Fifty-four of the state"s 85
confirmed cases are in children under 13 years of age. The median age of cases has increased
to 10.5 years. Thanks to new laboratory equipment and a decline in the number of novel H1N1
influenza samples submitted, a backlog has been cleared.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of traditional influenza and
include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have
reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 influenza. Close associates are
advised to limit their contact with others for a period of seven days from the time they were
exposed.
The incubation period from the moment of exposure to novel H1N1 influenza until symptoms
develop is two to seven days. Individuals are infectious to others one day before until
seven days after symptoms develop. Persons who develop symptoms of respiratory illness
should contact their medical provider.
The department Web site at http://adph.org/H1N1Flu/ provides regular updates of case counts
of novel H1N1 influenza within the state.
Alabama Department of Public Health