Flu linked to woman's death

Jackson County Health Department confirmed the community’s first death as a result of the H1N1 flu.

The 52-year-old Jackson County woman also had chronic health problems, Dr. Kenneth Bobb said Monday morning.

“The cause of death was a pneumonia complicating H1N1 influenza,” Bobb said. “H1N1 influence was confirmed by the State Department of Health laboratory.”

The woman died Oct. 15. Bobb, the county health officer, said the health department was not releasing additional demographic or personal information at the request of the woman’s family.

Bobb said the death points out the need for residents to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu when the vaccine becomes available.

“The community need not panic because of this information,” Bobb said. “We should exercise all of the precautions we can to prevent the flu, such as washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes and staying home when you’re sick, the things we’ve been asking people to do all along.”

Jackson County Health Department has offered five clinics to targeted groups such as pregnant women and younger children and people with chronic health problems. It will expand its reach this month with a series of eight clinics scheduled this month, the first of which is set for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at its office, 801 W. Second St. in Seymour.

“I’d recommend as many people receive the vaccine as possible when it’s available,” Bobb said.

He’s taken it and recommended that his family do the same.

For the full story, see Tuesday's edition of The Tribune and watch TribTown.com for updates.