First H1N1 flu death reported in Sacramento County

June 24, 12:17 AMSacramento Parenting ExaminerRowena Millado

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A 24-year-old woman hospitalized with the H1N1 flu virus died at the UC Davis Medical Center Tuesday.

Fox40 News identified the 24-year-old woman as Beth Kizere of Sacramento. She is the first person to die from H1N1, or swine, flu virus in Sacramento County and the 9th person from the State of California (as of June 19.) She entered the hospital on June 13 and Fox40 reports that she was then diagnosed with H1N1 on June 17.

Many of Kizere's  friends are using her Facebook profile to get updates on the young artist's condition, offer condolences, as well as share their fond memories. Kizere's friends are also using the social networking tool to organize a car wash fund raiser for Saturday, June 29 at 9 a.m. at Twin Oaks Avenue Church, 7690 Twin Oaks Ave., Citrus Heights.

In a news statement, Sacramento County Public Health Officer Glennah Trochet, M.D., said "...we anticipate that there will be more deaths throughout the United States and California before this outbreak ends. Sacramento County is seeing a lot of flu activity for this time of the year, which is why everyone should continue taking steps to prevent catching the flu."

The Sacramento County Public Health office suggests the following precautions:

• First and foremost, use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If none is available, cover your mouth with your elbow or sleeve when sneezing and coughing. Avoid coughing into your hands.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose (even is hands are clean).
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid work or school if you are sick.

Useful Links

• Sacramento County Public Health
• Sacramento County Public Health H1N1 (Swine) flu information

Related Sacramento Parenting Examiner Articles

• Swine flu update: Three more Sacramento area families symptomatic

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