The return of H1N1

Posted: Dec 18, 2013 7:41 PM PSTUpdated: Dec 18, 2013 7:42 PM PSTBy Kristine Galvan, Reporter - bio


HOUSTON (FOX 26) -As word of a mysterious illness that killed four people spread through Montgomery County, so did questions from residents.

"We don't know what's going on," one woman said. " It's scary."

Health experts announced the four deaths Tuesday, along with the fact four others had survived. None of the eight had initially tested positive for the flu, until now.

"One was positive for H1N1," said Dr. Mark Escott, Montgomery County Medical Director. "We haven't identified any connection between the patients."

H1N1 is also known as the 'swine flu.' The strain can sometimes go undetected on the standard Rapid test doctors use to determine flu.

After the deaths, a more comprehensive flu test was conducted on each of the surviving four patients.

According to the Montgomery County Hospital District's Facebook page, one tested positive for H1N1.

Two tested negative for all flu viruses.

And a fourth test is pending.

Doctors plan to retest all four survivors and send the information to the state health department and the Center for Disease Control.

This *has* been a very active flu season both nationally and regionally.

As a result of what happened in Montgomery County, Harris County health administrators are asking doctors to consider changing the way they handled suspected cases.

Rita Obey is a spokesperson for Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services.

"We're asking doctors to consider running a PCR test because it provides more comprehensive testing which will help us better identify the cause of the patient's illness," Obey said.

One of the patients who died worked at the Golden Corral restaurant in Conroe. His manager said the restaurant has a long-standing policy that forces employees to stay home when sick, which the employee did, when he first developed a cough.

While probably no consolation to the employee's family and friends, it may be to others concerned about the spread of this deadly disease.

"I got kids," one man said. "That's my concern. My little boys."

This year's flu vaccine protects against the H1N1 strain, but doctors don't think any of the eight Montgomery County patients got a flu shot.
Dr. Escott recommends, you do.

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