Tag Archives: el paso flu

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

The Department of Public Health has recorded two more flu-related deaths in El Paso this season with both cases involving men in their 90’s who had received the flu vaccine but who had underlying medical conditions.

“We extend our condolences to the patient’s family and other loved ones,” said El Paso Department of Public Health Director Robert Resendes. “We continue to urge El Paso residents to be vaccinated and to do everything they can to prevent the flu as the season continues and as the number of cases increases exponentially.”

There have been 2,181 confirmed flu cases reported in El Paso so far this season, almost 7 times greater than the 320 reported at this time last year.

“In consideration of the reduced efficacy of this season’s flu vaccine and the high number of flu cases, the CDC is encouraging those with flu symptoms to seek out medical care as soon as possible,” adds Resendes. “Those with active influenza are encouraged to forego attending school or work to reduce the spread of the disease.”

This year’s flu season in El Paso has still not officially peaked, meaning hundreds of additional flu cases are still quite possible in the weeks ahead. The Department of Public Health encourages El Paso residents to call 2-1-1 to find a flu vaccine provider. Residents are encouraged to practice the “4 C’s.”

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.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

An increase in flu activity has been reported locally and across the nation. Getting an annual flu vaccine not only protects you, but also protects others around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies young children, elderly, and people with existing medical conditions. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after the vaccination for your body to fully develop protection against the flu.

With El Paso County reporting nearly a tripling in flu cases compared to last year, Immunize El Paso is stepping up efforts to ensure borderland residents get protected.

The non-profit immunization group recently received a shipment of over 2,000 flu vaccines for adults, and has an additional stockpile reserved exclusively for children who do not have health insurance or cannot otherwise afford the vaccine.

Typically, the flu vaccination period is from September to mid-December, with most providers ceasing immunization efforts after this time frame. With the news of widespread flu activity across Texas, patients have had mild difficulty locating flu clinics.

This prompted IZEP to procure additional doses to avoid circumstances of a localized shortage.

“After the holiday season, it can be particularly difficult to find influenza vaccine” said Dusty Warden, outreach coordinator for Immunize El Paso.  “With news of rising flu activity, people have been seeking out protection against the potentially deadly virus.”

Testing by the Texas Department of Health has revealed that the most prevalent strain of flu being transmitted is an Influenza Type A (H3N2), which a related strain is contained in this year’s flu vaccine formulation. Matching flu transmission with flu vaccine components naturally increase the likeness of effective vaccine protection.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions are also just as important to stopping to flu. Remember the four “C”s: Clean your hands, Cover your cough, Contain germs by avoiding others when you’re sick, and Call your doctor if you experience a high-grade fever.

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

More information on this year’s flu activity and vaccine can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu,  immunizeelpaso.org or by calling 915-881-1100.

***

Central El Paso:                                                                                            

San Juan Clinic

6292 Trowbridge, 79905

Monday through Friday 8AM – 5PM

Saturday: 9AM – 12 Noon (check schedule for details)

Phone – 915-533-3414

East El Paso: 

1580 George Dieter, Ste 103, 79936

Monday through Friday: 8AM – 5PM

Saturday: 9AM – 12 Noon

Phone – 915-857-2474

Late Tuesday afternoon, the City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced the third flu-related death in the area this season.

The patient was a pre-teen girl with multiple chronic medical conditions. She tested positive for Influenza A and had not received a flu vaccine this season.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with this young girl’s loved-ones. A tragedy like this one reminds us why the work we do is so important,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director. “This is why we promote flu prevention to help prevent all kinds of diseases.”

The flu vaccine is still considered the first line of defense against the disease and El Pasoans should consider that it is not too late to be vaccinated.

In addition, the “4 C’s” can be used year-round to help prevent the spread of disease.

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 of 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

A second El Paso resident has died as a result of flu complications this season. The City of El Paso Department of Public Health reported today that the patient was a woman in her early 50’s who had underlying medical conditions.

She had tested positive for Influenza A. It is not yet known if she had received a flu vaccine this year.

“This is the kind of news we always regret to announce,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director. “Our thoughts and prayers are with this woman’s loved ones as we continue to urge our community to do everything they can to avoid this virus.”

The flu vaccine is still available at local retail outlets and through the “Vaccinations for Health” program which teams up the El Paso Fire Department with the El Paso Health Department. Residents of El Paso and Hudspeth County who are 18 and over and do not have medical insurance or are on Medicaid qualify to receive the vaccine along with other services free of charge.

May dates for the program are:

Saturday, May 7: Go Purple Health Fair at Bassett Place, 6101 Gateway West, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thursday, May 12: Station 32, 101 George Perry Blvd., 8-10 a.m.

Tuesday, May 24: Station 31, 122 Mesa Park Dr., 1-4 p.m.

Residents are also asked to practice the “4 C’s” which have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the flu virus.

CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

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.

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.

CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever of greater than 100 degrees.

As of last week, a total of 5,971 flu cases have been reported. There were a total of 5,815 cases of flu reported at this time during the 2015 flu season.

The mission of the Department of Public Health is to provide research and evaluation, prevention, intervention, and mobilization services to the people of El Paso so they can be healthy, productive, safe and secure. For more information on the programs and services offered by the Department of Public Health, visit EPHealth.com or dial 2-1-1.