Military member confirmed to have had H1N1 Flu

Published July 15, 2009
366th Fighter Win gPublic Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- A military member from Mountain Home Air Force Base was confirmed to have had the H1N1 Flu.

Test results were confirmed at the Idaho State Laboratory. Officials at the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Lab at Brooks City Base, Texas, were notified of the confirmed case. Additionally, the Idaho Central District Health Department has been notified.

The person assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing was treated on July 7 for flu-like symptoms at the Urgent Care Center, Mountain Home AFB and has recovered and returned to work. No one who has been in recent contact with the military member has shown any symptoms.

Health officials stressed that H1N1 flu is behaving similar to typical seasonal influenza and emphasized the need to take standard seasonal flu preventive measures such as hand washing and cough etiquette.

"We are taking the necessary precautions to educate and safeguard military and civilian personnel, as well as family members," said Col. Kevin Connolly, 366th Medical Group commander. "This case was diagnosed early, and as a result helped prevent the spread of the disease."