UPDATED Thursday, November 5, 2009 --- 11:25 a.m.

Press release from Dodge Co. Human Services & Health Department:

Health Officials Confirm 2009 H1N1 Flu Death in Dodge County

(Juneau) Dodge County Human Services and Health Department reports the first H1N1 influenza related death in Dodge County.

“The loss of a loved one for anyone is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time” said Jody Langfeldt, Public Health Officer.

Out of respect for the family and patient confidentiality laws, Dodge County Human Services and Health Department—Public Health Unit is not releasing the individual’s sex, age, race or location of residence. The death however did occur in an adult.

“For most people, the 2009 H1N1 flu is not severe. However, we know that the virus can be especially dangerous for children, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with chronic health illnesses,” said Langfeldt. “We expect more H1N1 vaccine to be available in the coming weeks. We recommend that those individuals who are at high risk for severe disease from H1N1 influence get vaccinated to protect themselves against H1N1 when vaccine becomes available.”

Health officials expect that eventually there will be enough H1N1 vaccine—and seasonal vaccine— available for anyone who wants to be vaccinated.

While vaccination will be the best protection against influenza, until more people are vaccinated it is important for everyone to continue the basic protection and prevention measures; stay home if you are ill; cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your sleeve, not your hands; wash your hands thoroughly and frequently; and stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food and exercising.

People who develop significant flu symptoms or those with flu symptoms who are at risk for severe flu or flu complications are advised to consult their health care providing promptly.

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Posted Thursday, November 5, 2009 --- 10:15 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- State health officials have confirmation of two more swine flu deaths in Wisconsin.

The state Department of Health Services says those deaths were in Dodge and St. Croix counties. Department spokesman Seth Boffeli said Thursday the H1N1 flu has now contributed to 18 deaths in Wisconsin since spring. Wednesday the department confirmed two deaths in Rock and Kenosha counties in the last week.

KSTP-TV reports the death in St. Croix County is a Hudson woman who died Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Friends say 48-year-old Debbie Lindstrom began having flu-like symptoms at the end of last week. They say she was taken to the hospital because the virus caused fluid to build up around her heart.

Lindstrom is the mother of three teenagers -- two sons and a daughter.

A funeral service is scheduled Saturday in Hudson.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.