Tag Archives: el paso flu

The City of El Paso Department of Public Heath (DPH) announced Monday that one person has died as a result of complications related to the influenza virus.

This is the first flu-associated death in the El Paso area, and involves a man in his 70’s who had underlying medical conditions.

“Although this gentleman was a senior, the majority of cases being seen this year are children. Parents are encouraged to ensure that their children’s flu immunizations are current because the vaccine is the number one defense against the virus and the flu continues to circulate in our area,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director.

Between October 1, 2019 and January 4, 2020, the Epidemiology Program has recorded 3,534 cases of flu in El Paso. That is a 47 percent increase in the number of cases as compared to the same time during the 2018-2019 season.

A total of 2,407 cases of flu were recorded up to the first week in January of 2019.

“In addition to the vaccine, people can help stop the spread of illness and reduce their chance of catching the flu by washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if they’re sick,” health officials added.

The flu shot continues to be offered to children at the three DPH Immunization Clinics and to those who are 18 years and over via the Vaccinations for Health Program.

This month’s outreach events at the El Paso Fire Department Safety, Health & Outreach Center located at 5415 Trowbridge Drive are scheduled for:

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information on flu prevention and flu vaccines, visit the EP Health website in English or Spanish.

As the Public Health Department recently reported that El Paso flu cases are up nearly 90 percent from the last flu season, the El Paso Fire Department has extended their Vaccinations for Health program through March.

Officials with the El Paso Fire Department are encouraging the community to take advantage of the popular Vaccinations for Health program.

Vaccinations for Health provides free influenza, blood pressure and glucose screenings to individuals 18 and older, and pneumonia vaccines to those 65 and older.

The program has been extended to include dates in January, February and March:

The number of flu cases continues to rise in El Paso, with the majority of cases being children between one and nine years old.

The Department of Public Health has received reports of more than 700 cases of influenza reported so far this season. That’s compared to 372 cases recorded at the same time last year.

“Health officials from across the state are reporting large numbers of pediatric and adolescent flu cases, and a total of six flu-associated pediatric deaths,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director. “It’s vital that parents ensure that their children are vaccinated to prevent illness and possible death.”

While the typical flu season begins with type A strains and usually ends with type B, this year, the season has shown an increased number of B strain flu cases at the beginning of the season.

Type B flu strains can affect anyone, but typically affects children and young adults more than the elderly, which is why many health officials are concerned for the safety of children during this particular flu season.

The first defense against the flu is the flu vaccine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive the vaccine every year. Most insurances cover flu vaccines at little or no cost via primary healthcare providers or local retail outlets.

The Department of Public Health’s Immunization Program offers low-cost vaccines for children who meet the state guidelines via their three clinics. Appointments can be made by calling (915) 212-6555.

In addition to the vaccine, people can help stop the spread of illness and reduce their chance of catching the flu by washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if they’re sick.

For more information on flu prevention and flu vaccines, please visit www.EPHealth.com or in Spanish at www.EPSalud.com

Recent Texas influenza surveillance has indicated the first influenza-related pediatric death in our state. The 5-year old child died, who was unvaccinated against the flu, died in south Texas earlier this month.

With flu already reported in the Borderland, it is important to take steps to guard against the potentially deadly virus. Several school closures in central Texas have been prompted by flu outbreaks to curb the spread of the contagion.

“Initial data is showing higher than usual influenza activity for this time of the season, indicating a potential for an early flu season,” said Dusty Warden, Outreach Coordinator for Immunize El Paso.

“This data should be a reminder that early vaccination is key to protecting ourselves,” Warden continued.

All children older than 6-months, seniors over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions are extraordinarily vulnerable to the flu, and vaccination is highly recommended for each of these groups.

Flu vaccines are now available at each of Immunize El Paso’s clinic locations, along with outreach sites scheduled for the next several months.

More information can be found at immunizeelpaso.org or by calling 915-881-1100.

Central El Paso:

Phone – 915-533-3414

San Juan Clinic

6292 Trowbridge, 79905

Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 12 Noon

East El Paso:

Phone – 915-857-2474

1580 George Dieter, Ste 103, 79936

Monday through Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 12 Noon

An elderly man’s death marks the fifth flu-related death in the El Paso area this season.

“We continue to see an unusually high number of flu cases being reported for this time of year,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “Our residents need to continue to practice prevention techniques and be vigilant when it comes to seeing a medical practitioner if symptoms persist.”

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health reports that the man was in his mid-80’s and suffered from underlying medical conditions. Public health officials also say the man had not received the flu vaccine this season.

During the first week of May 2019, more than one hundred cases of flu were reported.

The total number of flu cases as of the first week of May has been recorded at 13,411; compared to 12,369 flu cases reported at this time last season.

There were 21 flu-related deaths during last year’s flu season.

In addition to the flu vaccine, public health officials remind the public to practice the four C’s in order to help reduce the incidence of infection. They are:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

Additional information is available at www.EPHealth.com or www.EPSalud.com under the flu tab.

On Monday, officials with the Department of Public Health announced that a fourth person has succumbed to the flu virus this season.

It is unknown if the man, who was in his early 90s, had received the flu vaccine this season; however, public health officials confirmed the man had underlying medical conditions.

“Our investigation has concluded that this man’s death was related to his contraction of the influenza virus,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “The number of flu cases in our region continues its seasonal decline but the virus can still be active, and under certain circumstances, can be deadly. We extend our condolences to this man’s loved ones.”

At the end of March 2019, the number of flu cases was recorded at 12,681. That is 515 more cases compared to this same time last season. There were 21 flu-related deaths during last year’s flu season.

In addition to the flu vaccine, public health officials remind the public to practice the four C’s to help reduce the incidence of infection.

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

The death of an elderly woman has brought the number of flu-related deaths in the area so far this season to three.

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health officials say the woman was in her mid-80s and had not been vaccinated against the influenza virus.

Officials also point out that she did have underlying medical conditions.

“The trend we are seeing right now is that the number of flu cases being reported continues to increase,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “We want to express our condolences to this woman’s loved ones and remind the community to please guard themselves against the flu, because it can have devastating effects. It is not too late to get a flu vaccine”

As of the third week of January, the number of flu cases in El Paso is 661; compared to 1,540 at the same time last season.

There were 21 flu-related deaths during last year’s flu season.

In addition to the flu vaccine, public health officials remind the public to practice the four C’s in order to help reduce the incidence of infection. They are:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

Additional information is available at online in English or Spanish under the flu tab.

The website offers flu-related information including modes of prevention, flu surveillance and other resources in an effort to achieve the City’s goal to nurture and promote a healthy, sustainable community.

Officials with Immunize El Paso say it is not too late to get protected against the flu, with vaccination being the best preventative measure.

“There are several ways to prevent the flu, with the most effective being timely vaccination,” said Dusty Warden, Outreach Coordinator with Immunize El Paso. “Additional methods include avoiding contact with sick people, frequent hand washing, and disinfecting surfaces that may become contaminated.”

The influenza virus is beginning to hit Texas, notated by an upward trend in reported illnesses throughout the state and the entire U.S.

Data collected for the 2018-19 flu season by the Texas Department of State Health Services indicate 1,865 pneumonia and influenza-related deaths so far, with 96 within health region 9/10 which includes El Paso.

A total of 13 pediatric deaths have been attributed to the flu, with one being right here in Texas.

Should you believe you have the flu, stay away from others to avoid infecting them. Should you experience flu symptoms and are in a high-risk group, contact your healthcare provider. If you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, persistent vomiting, or a fever with a worsening cough, seek immediate medical attention.

Flu vaccines continue to be available at each of Immunize El Paso’s clinic locations along with outreach sites scheduled through the next several weeks.

More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu,  immunizeelpaso.org or by calling 915-881-1100.

Central El Paso: Phone – 915-533-3414

San Juan Clinic

6292 Trowbridge, 79905

Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM

Saturday: 9 AM – Noon

East El Paso: Phone – 915-857-2474

1580 George Dieter, Ste 103, 79936

Monday through Friday: 8AM – 5PM

Saturday: 9AM – 12 Noon

On Monday, officials with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health confirmed state and national reports that the area has seen a significant amount of flu activity in the region, and that one man has been confirmed as a the first flu-related death this season.

The first flu-related death involves a man in his 80’s who had underlying medical conditions and who had not been vaccinated against the disease.

Despite the man’s age, department officials continue to encourage all residents to receive the influenza vaccine and do whatever they can to stop the spread of the virus.

“We are seeing a significant amount of flu cases being reported in patients who are between one and 18 years of age,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist.  “We must insist that our younger population and parents of our children be vigilant, and remind them that the first line of defense is a flu shot.”

As of the end of 2018, there were 666 confirmed flu cases recorded for this flu season. That is compared to 434 cases reported during the same time during the 2017 flu season.

There were 21 flu-related deaths during last year’s flu season.

In addition to the flu vaccine, public health officials remind the public to practice the four Cs in order to help reduce the incidence of infection. They are:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

Additional information is available at www.EPHealth.com or via the Spanish-language site, under the flu tab.

Late Thursday, the City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced that the number of flu-related deaths has reached 20 so far this season.

According to department officials, the most recent with the victim was a man in his 50’s, who had no underlying medical conditions.

A total of 12,166 cases have been reported this flu season, which is 3 times more activity as that seen at this time last season. While it appears the flu season has reached its peak, public health officials continue to urge medical providers to test for the flu and to prescribe antivirals when possible.

The following chart shows the flu-related deaths recorded in El Paso so far this season.

They also encourage El Paso residents to be vaccinated and to practice the “4 C’s” which have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the flu:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.

3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you are well again, so you do not spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, call 2-1-1 or visit the website.

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced Thursday that the number of flu-related deaths in our area has reached 15. The most recent reports involve a man in his 60’s and a woman in her 50’s. Both had underlying medical conditions.

“I feel that one of the most important things we can do to honor the men and women who have succumbed to this disease is to do everything we can to prevent more infection,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated, do so now. If you can’t receive a vaccine follow all the other recommendations that we continue to stress in order to prevent more cases of flu in El Paso.”

Public Health officials continue to urge medical providers to test for the flu and to prescribe antivirals when possible. They also encourage El Paso residents to be vaccinated and to practice the “4 C’s” which have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the flu:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you are well again, so you do not spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

The table below describes all 15 confirmed flu-related cases reported so far this season.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, call 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com

Two newly confirmed flu-related deaths has brought the total to 13 so far this season. The Department of Public Health has received reports that a woman in her 70’s and a man in his 80’s have both died. Both had underlying medical conditions.

“Our thoughts and sentiments are with the families and loved ones of these individuals,” said Public Health Director Robert Resendes. “We will continue our efforts to raise awareness about flu prevention and continue to report the loss of life to this disease as a way to encourage prevention.”

There have been 6,579 confirmed flu cases reported in El Paso so far this season. There were 571 cases confirmed at the same time last year.

Public Health officials continue to urge medical providers to test for the flu and to prescribe antivirals when possible. They also encourage El Paso residents to be vaccinated and to practice the “4 C’s.”

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you’re sick, stay home until you’re well.
4. CALL – Call or see a doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, please call 2-1-1 or visit WWW.EPHealth.com

The table below describes all 13 confirmed flu-related cases reported so far this season.

The number of flu-related deaths in El Paso now stands at 11 for this season. The three latest reports confirmed by the Department of Public Health involve two men, one in his 80’s, and another in his 50’s.

The 11^th case involves a female in her 70’s. All three had underlying medical conditions. Below is a table describing all 11 confirmed flu-related cases reported so far this season.

“As more and more people in our community come down with the flu, unfortunately the number of those who succumb to the virus also continues to rise,” said Public Health Director Robert Resendes. “We need to continue to protect ourselves and especially the elderly and those with weaker immune systems in order to help keep both numbers down.”

There have been 4,916 confirmed flu cases reported in El Paso or approximately ten times the number of cases seen at this time last year. Current data indicates that the flu season in El Paso has yet to reach its peak.

Public Health officials continue to urge medical providers to test for the flu and to prescribe antivirals when possible. They also encourage El Paso residents to be vaccinated and to practice the “4 C’s.”

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you’re sick, stay home until you’re well.
4. CALL – Call or see a doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

The Department of Public Health has received a report of an additional flu-related death in the area. This bring the total of flu-related deaths reported to the Department of Public Health to eight.

Officials say the latest reported flu-related death is a man in his 80’s, who had underlying medical conditions.

“As the list of those who have passed away as a result of flu complications continues to grow, it doesn’t make it any easier to report,” said Public Health Director Robert Resendes. “What we know is that every flu season needs to be taken seriously, and we all need to do our part to prevent the flu in our community.”

There have been 3,379 confirmed flu cases reported in El Paso as of the second week in January. This is more than eight times higher than the 396 cases that were reported at this time last year.

The table below provides some background on the eight patients who have succumbed to the virus this season.

Public Health officials continue to urge medical providers to test for the flu and to prescribe antivirals when possible. They also encourage El Paso residents to be vaccinated and to practice the “4 C’s” which have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the flu:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, call 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com.

The Department of Public Health has received reports of four additional flu-related deaths in the area this season bringing the total of flu-related deaths to seven.

“The loss of life to the influenza virus is devastating to say the least,” said Public Health Director Robert Resendes. “The list, which unfortunately continues to grow, shows us how important it is to pay special attention when it comes to our senior population, especially those whose immune system may be especially vulnerable to the disease.”

There have been 3,379 confirmed flu cases reported in El Paso as of the second week in January; more than eight times higher than the 396 cases that were reported at this time last year.

The patients’ information is as follows:

Public Health officials continue to urge medical providers to test for the flu and to prescribe antivirals when possible. El Paso residents are encouraged to get vaccinated and practice the “4 C’s” which have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the flu:

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you are well again, so you do not spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, call 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com