Franklin County Baby is First to Die From Swine Flu in State

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Story Published: Oct 21, 2009 at 7:25 PM PST

By Chelsea Kopta

FRANKLIN COUNTY, WA -- A five-month old baby from Franklin County has died, with H1N1 influenza complications contributing to the death, the Benton-Franklin Health District announced Wednesday.

This is the first Washington pediatric death of the 2009-2010 flu season.

"We all grieve when the community loses a child," said Dr. Larry Jecha, Benton-Franklin Health District Health Officer. "There were serious underlying health conditions, but that does not make the loss any easier for the family or the child's loved ones."

Since September, the Benton-Franklin Health District has been
notified of more 40 people hospitalized with H1N1 influenza locally. This is the first local death since the outbreak began last spring.

With vaccine in short supply, people are urged to continue with personal precautions to protect themselves and their families including washing hands, covering your cough, and stating home when you are ill.

BFHD has begun distributing very limited amounts of H1N1 vaccine to local healthcare providers to vaccinate those in high risk categories. H1N1 vaccine is very limited in supply and delivery is slower than expected.

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