W The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) has just released information on the first death in New Jersey due to the H1N1 flu. The patient was a 49-year-old Essex County man who had multiple underlying medical conditions. He passed at Mountainside Hospital on Saturday, June 13. He became ill with fever and respiratory symptoms on May 30 and was hospitalized on June 2 when his illness worsened.

As of today there are 320 confirmed cases in NJ, in 19 counties.

Susan Portuese, Health Officer wishes to remind residents of these important steps to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick
• Stay informed with credible sources of information, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/ call the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 1-866-321-9571

These important tips can offer protection from H1N1 and other respiratory illnesses.

Signs and symptoms of H1N1; are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. If you are experiencing these symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms such as trouble breathing, go to the Emergency Room. If your symptoms are mild, please call your doctor.

Surveillance systems for Influenza-Like-Illness has been in place in Essex County for nearly 10 years with hospitals and schools. This early identification of disease is an important method to contain the spread of illness and public health officials remain committed to the response to H1N1 influenza.

Once again for further information, please visit credible sources such as www.cdc.gov/swineflu, http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1/ or 1-866-321-9571.