Message from the Superintendent and Health Service Director
Message from the Superintendent and Health Service Director
Health Update May 1, 2009

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today announced that it is sending a la sample from another individual to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be tested for the H1N1 novel influenza virus. The individual, from Isanti County, did not require hospitalization and is at home expecting to make a full recovery. MDH epidemiologists are investigating whether there is a link to Mexico or to other areas where cases have occurred. This case does not involve a school.

MDH is characterizing the case as "probable,^TM meaning that the MDH lab has identified the virus as type A influenza, but the strain cannot be confirmed using lab tests currently available to MDH. Additional testing by CDC will be needed to determine if the individual had the unusual new strain of influenza that has made people sick in 11 countries, including the U. S.

MDH officials expect to see additional cases of the virus and are reminding people that they have a role in controlling the spread of infections like influenza. Stay home if you're sick, cover your cough, wash your hands frequently and limit your contact with people who you think might be sick.