The four people hospitalized from an unknown, isolated illness that killed two individuals are now out of the hospital. The Virginia Department of Health reports that they were discharged on Sunday. Officials say there is still no indication of person-to-person transmission and no indication of any public health risk. They believe it is an isolated incident with a single-source exposure and have secured the private property locations where the exposure might have occurred.
(Virginia Department of Health news releases follow)
Update: Sunday, April 27, 2014 7:30 p.m.
News Release from the Virginia Department of Health
The active investigation continues into cases of isolated illness among a small group of people in the New River Valley, resulting in two fatalities.
Today, four individuals associated with this illness who had been hospitalized at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital were discharged. There continue to be no new cases of illness – and no new hospital admissions – associated with this group of individuals.
“There is still no indication of person-to-person transmission and no indication of any public health risk,” said Molly O’Dell, M.D., director of the New River Health District. “This continues to appear to be an isolated incident with a single-source exposure.”
The locations where exposure might have occurred are on private property and have been secured, pending further environmental investigation.
Lab testing is underway for various samples collected from the patients. Initial test results are expected to be available beginning the end of this coming week and for some time thereafter.
This collaborative investigation involves the Virginia Department of Health, local physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Though we are enjoying beautiful spring weather lately, influenza is still circulating in our communities. People may develop flu symptoms at this time of year, but they should not automatically assume this is related to the isolated illness that is under investigation,” said Dr. O’Dell. “As always, if you are concerned you may be getting sick with flu, you should contact your family physician as you normally would.”
VDH will release additional information as warranted, as the investigation continues.
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Investigation continues into isolated NRV illness
Health officials continue looking into an isolated illness that has killed two people and left four people in the hospital. The individuals are from the New River Valley and there doesn’t appear to be any risk to the public at this point in the investigation. Officials say there is no indication of person-to-person transmission and there have been no new cases.
(Virginia Department of Health news releases follow)
Update: Saturday, April 26, 2014 1 p.m.
News Release from the Virginia Department of Health:
The active investigation continues into cases of isolated illness among a small group of people in the New River Valley, resulting in two fatalities.
Today four individuals remain hospitalized at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. There are no new cases of illness and no new hospital admissions reported to be associated with this group of individuals.
“There is still no indication of person-to-person transmission and no indication of any public health risk,” said Molly O’Dell, M.D., director of the New River Health District. “This continues to appear to be an isolated incident with a single-source exposure.”
The locations where exposure might have occurred are on private property and have been secured, pending further environmental investigation.
The collaborative investigation involves the Virginia Department of Health, local physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Because we are seeing some influenza activity in the community, people in the area may experience flu symptoms. This is not necessarily related to the isolated illness that is under investigation,” said Dr. O’Dell. “As always, if you are concerned you may be developing influenza, you should follow up with your family physician as you normally would.”
VDH will release additional information as warranted, as the investigation continues.
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Friday, April 25, 2014 5 p.m.
News Release from the Virginia Department of Health:
An isolated illness has occurred among a small group of people – limited to one family and a close family friend – in the New River Valley. Tragically, two have died. Four are hospitalized in fair condition at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
There is no confirmation yet regarding the cause of the illness, but there is absolutely no indication of person-to-person transmission. At this point in the investigation there is no indication of any public health risk. This appears to be an isolated incident with a single-source exposure. The site of possible exposure is known and on private property. It has been secured pending further environmental investigation.
An ongoing collaborative investigation is underway involving the Virginia Department of Health, local physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Because we are seeing some influenza activity in the community, people in the area may experience flu symptoms. If you are concerned you may be developing influenza, please follow up with your family physician as you normally would.
VDH will release additional information as warranted, as the investigation continues.
