Update on Calvert County Respiratory Illness Investigation
For immediate release:
Release: 2012 - 56
March 7, 2012
Preliminary Testing Indicates Influenza
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is currently working with the
Calvert County Health Department to investigate a cluster of respiratory illnesses in Calvert County.
As the Calvert County Health Department has reported, DHMH is aware of four cases in adults from
a single family with severe respiratory illness; three have died. At this time, no other similar clusters
have been reported from Calvert County or elsewhere in the state.
The cause for these illnesses is under investigation and testing is being conducted by the
DHMH Laboratories Administration. Preliminary testing at the DHMH Laboratories Administration
indicates that two of the fatal cases had influenza, and these cases may have been complicated by
bacterial co-infections. Bacterial co-infection is a known complication of influenza infection.
Additional testing is being conducted for all cases.
DHMH recommends all individuals continue to take the following precautions during
influenza season: hand washing, staying home if sick, and staying up to date with influenza
vaccinations. DHMH also reminds Maryland residents with influenza-like illness (fever and sore
throat or cough) to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation. DHMH is not recommending
any additional measures at this time.
For more information and updates head to www.twitter.com/MarylandDHMH or
www.facebook.com/MarylandDHMH on Facebook.
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