Young Maine man dies of H1N1

AUGUSTA -- A Penobscot County young adult is the second death linked to H1N1 influenza in Maine, and the first since August, according to a press release issued by the Maine CDC in the Department of Health and Human Services.

"It is with great sadness that we have learned of a Penobscot County young adult who died recently of H1N1 influenza. The young person had serious underlying medical conditions," said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to this man's family and friends. While most people with H1N1 in Maine and the nation have had a relatively mild infection, this news demonstrates how severe influenza can be, especially in those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children," Mills said.

The young man died earlier this week at home and was not attending a local college or university. His name and the date of his death are not being released to help protect the privacy of the family, but according to the CDC he was between 18 and 25 years old.

Upon learning of the death and of the possibility that the man had influenza symptoms, the Maine CDC called the medical examiner, after which an autopsy was performed and tests conducted by the Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis of the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza, according to the release.

Since first being recognized in April 2009, novel influenza A (H1N1) has spread across the globe. In June, a pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization. Children and young adults are disproportionately affected by H1N1, accounting for the majority of confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths, according to the release.

In August, a York County man in his 50s was the first Maine resident to die of the pandemic strain of H1N1. Over the past two weeks, H1N1 has become widespread in Maine. This past week, 25 schools have experienced high absentee rates, 10 people have been hospitalized, including four children.

"We know that any type of influenza can cause serious illness, so it is important that we all redouble our prevention efforts to limit the spread of this illness and to prepare for continued expansion of H1N1," said Dr. Mills.

For more information, www.maineflu.gov.