Illinois has logged nearly 2,000 confirmed or probable cases of the H1N1 influenza strain — or swine flu — since it was first reported in the United States in April. A little less than half of those cases were in Chicago and Cook County, according to th
Illinois has logged nearly 2,000 confirmed or probable cases of the H1N1 influenza strain — or swine flu — since it was first reported in the United States in April. A little less than half of those cases were in Chicago and Cook County, according to the state’s health department.
A large outbreak of the virus was first reported in Mexico in March. Weeks later, it spread to the United States, mostly by way of air travel.
And while the regular flu season generally ends in May, new cases of the swine flu continue to be reported in the Illinois, which has had at least 10 deaths related to the virus that has now been classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The latest death was that of an 8-year-old African-American boy from the south suburbs.
“This tragic death underscores the need for people to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of illness. While we expect to see more confirmed cases and even more deaths from the virus, you can reduce your risk of becoming infected and prevent spreading it to others by covering your cough, cleaning your hands and containing your germs by staying home when ill,” said Stephen Martin Jr., the chief operating officer of the Cook County Dept. of Public Health.
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