Maine News Updates

A Penobscot County man has died of H1N1 influenza, the second death related to the illness since April, according to a release today from the Maine CDC.

The CDC didn’t identify the man, but said he was young, between 18 and 25, died at home and was not attending a local college or university. 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, the release said.

"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."

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, the release said. This past week, 25 schools have experienced high absentee rates, 10 people have been hospitalized, including four children.

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