The Lee County Health Department has received notification of its fifth H1N1 (Swine) Flu-related death in an 11-year-old female resident with pre-existing conditions.

“We offer our sincere condolences to this child’s family and friends for their loss,” said Dr. Judith A. Hartner, director of the Lee County Health Department.

“While most cases of H1N1 Swine Flu are mild, there are exceptions. This is why the Lee County Health Department urges our community to get vaccinations against H1N1, a virus to which we have no immunity,” said Hartner.

H1N1 can lead to severe sickness, and even death in some cases. Even young, healthy people can suffer serious consequences when infected. As of October 31, 149 deaths have been reported in Florida.

To combat the spread of H1N1, the Lee County Health Department has been offering vaccine to CDC priority groups in an effort to keep families healthy. These vaccinations are being held at area high schools through November 21.

To get clinic information, log onto the Lee County Health Department website at www.LeeCHD.com. Always remember before departing for any clinic site, to verify the date and time as the schedule is subject to change based on availability of vaccine.

Everyone should eventually be vaccinated, but those in high risk categories will be given the first supplies of the vaccine, Harter said.

They include:

Children and young adults age 6 months through 24 years

Pregnant women

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old

Health care workers and emergency medical services personnel

People age 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

For more information on influenza activity, there are a number of resources available such as the Florida Department of Health toll-free number which provides public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine flu.

The information line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole. The Florida Flu Information Line is 1-877-352-3581.

For web-based information visit any of the following websites:

Lee County Health Department, www.LeeCHD.com.

Florida Department of Health, http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo.htm.

My Safe Florida, www.myflusafety.com.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

The World Health Organization, (WHO), http://www.who.int/en/.

Flu.gov, http://www.flu.gov/.

For up-to-date information about H1N1 Swine Flu visit http://www.myflusafety.com or call 877 352 3581.