The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services today announced a fifth death of a New Jersey resident with novel H1N1 influenza.

The individual was a 79-year old Hudson County female, who died June 19 in Bayonne Medical Center. She became ill on June 15 and was hospitalized later that same day with cough and fever. She had underlying medical conditions.

The state lab confirmed today that the individual had H1N1 influenza.

“I extend my sympathies to the woman’s family during this very trying time,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “Unfortunately, influenza is a serious disease and deaths are not unexpected. It is important for all New Jersey residents to remain vigilant and take proper precautions to protect themselves and their families.”

To date, New Jersey has 568 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in 19 counties. There are also 275 probable cases pending confirmatory testing in the state lab.

Nationally, there are 21,449 confirmed and probable cases in 50 states.  There have been 231 deaths worldwide, including 87 deaths in the United States.

Approximately 88 countries worldwide have confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza. 

Commissioner Howard continues to urge all New Jersey residents to take preventive measures to avoid getting sick. These include:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been associated with H1N1 influenza, especially in Mexico. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

For more information on H1N1 Influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.nj.gov/health.