Saturday, February 6th, 2010
New type flu hits Grand Lake area
By Shelley Grieshop
WAPAKONETA - Another type of flu - not H1N1 or seasonal - appears to be circulating in the Grand Lake area causing serious bouts of dehydration.
Members of the Auglaize County Board of Health heard reports Friday of a gastric strain of flu that reportedly lasts 12 to 24 hours. The illness involves nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. H1N1 and seasonal flu mainly affect respiratory.
Health department Nurse Cindy Jones told the board she's heard about the influenza but has not had the opportunity to confirm the particular strain.
"We're hoping to get (stool) samples so we can find out what it is," she said.
Several board members said they were told of cases that led to extreme dehydration soon after people became ill. Some who became sick had already been vaccinated this year against H1N1 and seasonal flu, they said.
Jones noted that H1N1 and seasonal flu cases have been sporadic.
"This is usually the time when seasonal flu peaks," Jones said.
Although Jones and others were happy that influenza cases appear to be in low numbers right now, they are apprehensive that it will stay that way.
Board member Linda Kitzmiller asked Jones if she thought H1N1 flu cases will peak again.
"Yes, but when?" Jones said as she shook her head. "We just don't know."
She said it's difficult now to track the number of H1N1 cases occurring in the area. People are no longer being tested for it and cases aren't being reported to the health department, Ohio Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unless the person is hospitalized.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a 7-day order requiring Cory Lemley, 408 N. Franklin St., New Bremen, to show proof of a current rabies vaccination for his dog.
• Heard the first of three readings to approve an increase in vending license (temporary food licenses) fees from $30.37 to $31.02.
• Approved the recommended adult immunization schedule for 2010.
• Learned the next board meeting is 1 p.m. March 11.
• Learned the district advisory council meeting is set for 8 a.m. March 29 at the health department. Kitzmiller, who also serves on the council, agreed to a re-appointment to the council for another 5-year term.
• Held an executive session to discuss personnel issues and took no action.
