Galveston County and Cities – The Galveston County Health District announced today a second probable case of H1N1 flu in a 35 year old male League City resident, who has since fully recovered. The man was not hospitalized and did not attend any social gatherings while ill.

“The identification of these probable cases is not a surprise given what we know about this virus and its spread in Texas and neighboring counties,” says Dr. Mark Guidry, GHCD CEO and Galveston County Health Authority.  “Additional cases are expected until the virus runs its course in this phase.  A second phase may occur later in the year or during the regular fall flu season.   Hopefully, a vaccine will be available at that time.” 

Guidry emphasizes the basic prevention message remains unchanged and residents should use standard precautions to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness:

• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
• People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.  

 The Galveston County Health District will continue working with local and state partners to follow up on any additional probable or confirmed cases of H1N1 flu that may be reported. Future updates on the number of cases in Galveston County by city will be posted on the Health District’s web site at www.gchd.org/press/2009/Swine-flu-information.htm.