May 10, 2009 1:23 pm US/Central
H1N1 Flu Numbers Still on the Rise
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) ―
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An H1N1 strain of the flu virus, viewed through a microscope.
AP
The number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases in Illinois has risen dramatically over the past few days, with more than 466 confirmed cases in Illinois, 208 of those in Chicago, according to Sunday figures from the state Department of Public Health.
Illinois laboratories are now able to perform confirmatory testing for the H1N1 virus, which is why the state has seen a large increase in the number of confirmed cases over the past couple of days, according to a release from IDPH.
According to the IDPH Web site, the state's flu numbers as of Sunday stand at:
Boone: 3 confirmed.
Chicago: 208 confirmed.
Cook (suburban): 130 confirmed.
DeKalb: 1 confirmed.
DuPage: 36 confirmed.
Franklin: 1 confirmed.
Kane: 26 confirmed.
Kendall: 1 confirmed.
Knox: 2 confirmed.
Lake: 15 confirmed.
McHenry: 2 confirmed.
Ogle: 1 confirmed.
Sangamon: 1 confirmed.
Will: 33 confirmed.
Winnebago: 1 probable, 5 confirmed.
Undetermined: 1 confirmed. For a total of one probable and 466 cases confirmed.
A case is "confirmed" when additional laboratory testing backs up initial test results. Until then, the case is called "probable."
The state began doing its own confirmation tests on May 3, which meant quicker turnaround on results and large increases in confirmed cases.
The department is reporting two deaths due to the H1N1 virus and 2,254 confirmed cases of the flu throughout the U.S. as of 10 a.m. Sunday.
To stay healthy, IDPH recommends the three C's -- clean: properly wash your hands frequently; cover: cover your cough and sneeze; and contain: contain your germs by staying home if sick.
People who have questions about H1N1 flu can call the Illinois flu hotline at (866) 848-2094 for English and (866) 241-2138 for Spanish, or visit
www.ready.illinois.gov.
More Information Online:
* How To Protect Yourself
* How To Choose, Use The Best Hand Sanitzer
* H1N1 Flu: Questions, Answers
* Illinois H1N1 Flu Information
* CDC Emergency Updates Via Twitter
* H1N1 Flu Twitter Live Search Results
* David Burnia's H1N1 Flu Watch On Twitter
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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