Calaveras County Has Fourth Confirmed Case Of H1N1

San Andreas, CA - A 13-year-old resident of Mokelumne Hill has a confirmed case of H1N1, indicating that the virus remains present in Calaveras County.

County Health Officer Dean Kelaita states, "The youth was not hospitalized and is expected to fully recover."

Kelaita adds that flu-like illness is reportedly affecting many students at Toyon Middle School in San Andreas, and it is suspected that some have novel H1N1 influenza.

According to health officials, for most people, the illness is mild and does not require medical attention or hospitalization. However, some are at a greater risk of severe illness if infected by H1N1. High risk groups include pregnant women, children under six, and individuals with known health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease).

In California there have been 1,353 hospitalizations and 115 deaths related to H1N1. To date, there have been no hospitalizations or deaths in Calaveras County.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.