First H1N1 death confirmed in Georgia

ATLANTA - (WXIA) - The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) confirmed Friday Georgia's first death related to novel influenza A (H1N1).

A news release from DCH states a 43-year-old female from Cobb County suffered from underlying health conditions when she became infected with the novel H1N1 virus.

"I am saddened to report the first death of a Georgia citizen associated with the novel H1N1 virus," said DCH Commissioner and Acting Public Health Director Dr. Rhonda Medows. "Although most of the individuals who have contracted the novel H1N1 virus so far, have had mild to moderate symptoms, this viral illness has claimed 170 lives in other states throughout the country."

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary reports that 37,000 deaths are caused each year due to "regular" or "seasonal flu."

The majority of individuals infected with the novel virus experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover from their illness without complications. Symptoms of the virus are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, extreme fatigue, and possible nausea and vomiting, especially in children. As of Wednesday, Georgia had confirmed 143 cases of novel H1N1.

(Courtesy: WXIA)