Albany County adolescent death linked to H1N1

UPDATED 4:30 p.m.

Warren County has since reported a death related to H1N1. Read more here. 

ALBANY -- An Albany County adolescent has died from complications linked to the H1N1 flu virus, the county health department said today. It is the county's first H1N1-related death.

The adolescent died from complications related to a longstanding underlying medical condition, and also had influenza-like illness before death, said the health department. 

The death, "while troubling, should not be cause for alarm," said county health commissioner Dr. James Crucetti. "The H1N1 virus continues to be a predominantly mild illness and this fatality does not mean the H1N1 virus has changed to cause more severe illness." 

The majority of children who have died from H1N1 influenza in the United States have had an underlying medical condition that puts them at increased risk for complications if they get the flu, as was the case with the Albany County youth, according to the ACDOH.

Most individuals who have H1N1 influenza do not have serious illness.  

Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that H1N1 influenza accounted for 19 pediatric deaths in the United States. Forty eight states are currently reporting widespread influenza activity.  In New York State H1N1 influenza is widespread. 

As of October 24, there have been 10 pediatric deaths in New York State due to H1N1 influenza. 

More information about the H1N1 influenza is available on the Albany County Health Department website at: www.albanycounty.com/health.

CBS6Albany.com H1N1 Resource Center