The Calvert County Health Department has issued an updated press release, after erroneously reporting four deaths. The county is now only confirming three deaths, with one person in critical condition. Below is the updated official press release:
March 6, 2012
The Calvert County Health Department (CCHD) is investigating a cluster of respiratory illnesses that have resulted in the deaths of three individuals from the Lusby area.
The cases appear to be confined to a single family and there are currently no other affected individuals at this time. CCHD is not recommending any protective actions for the general public.
The first case of illness occurred in an 81-year-old woman who presented symptoms at her home beginning on or about February 23, 2012. She was cared for at home by three of her children, a son and two daughters. The caregivers developed similar upper respiratory symptoms on or about February 28, 2012. All were hospitalized and became critically ill. The elderly woman, a 58-year-old son and a 56-year-old daughter subsequently died. A third family member and caregiver is currently hospitalized at the Washington Hospital Center.
The state Office of Chief Medical Examiner is working to determine the cause of the illness.
Residents are recommended to take standard precautions to prevent the spread of illness including hand washing and limiting contact with sick individuals. Those with flu-like symptoms should check with their healthcare provider to be evaluated.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE ISSUED March 5, 2012
Calvert County Health Department (CCHD) is aware of a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses in five (Lusby area), including four members of a Calvert County family, residing approximately a mile south of the power plant. All five were hospitalized over the last two weeks. Four of the five have died of their illnesses.
The cause of these illnesses has not been completely confirmed at this time, although much testing is underway. At this time, there is no information that indicates special preventive measures, like antibiotics, are needed for family or other close contacts of the patients; however CCHD will continue to work with the healthcare providers and others on this situation and will update Calvert County residents if new information important to their health becomes available.
In the meantime, we continue to recommend that people ill with influenza-like illnesses (fever and cough or sore throat) check in with their healthcare provider to be evaluated and see if they would benefit from antiviral or other medications.
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