Six cases of H1N1 flu confirmed at LRMC

Four probable cases of novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu, have now been confirmed positive among a small group of patients at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, bringing to six the number of confirmed cases there since June 4.
All of the patients were at Landstuhl for medical treatment unrelated to H1N1 and sharing a common area.

No other cases of the virus have been reported either at Landstuhl or at the home bases of patients, according to Army preventive medicine and infectious disease specialists who continue to monitor the situation.

The Europe Regional Medical Command and U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine have coordinated with preventive medicine specialists and health clinics at the patients’ home bases to interview anyone who may have come into contact with them prior to their hospitalization at Landstuhl.

“Nobody other than the six patients has presented H1N1 influenza symptoms to date,” said Col. Evelyn Barraza, ERMC preventive medicine consultant.

The two initial confirmations were made after patients presented symptoms consistent with H1N1 influenza virus beginning around May 27. Four other patients later presented symptoms and were tested. All of the patients have received treatment and are responding well.

(Courtesy of European Regional Command Public Affairs)