The first H1N1 virus-related death in Kenosha County has been officially confirmed.

The state’s Department of Health Services on Wednesday confirmed that the death of an adult in Kenosha County last week was related to H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu.

It is the first H1N1-related death in the county. Sixteen have been confirmed in the state.

The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office said the victim was a male in his 20s who had significant pre-existing conditions.

While an initial test showed that the H1N1 virus was present in the person who died, further testing was needed to confirm that H1N1 was a factor.

“We need to know that there was H1N1 present and then have a medical agreement that the virus was the principal reason that led to the fatality,” said Seth Boffeli, communications director for the state’s Department of Health Services.

Gina Carver, office manager for the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office, said tests for viral and bacterial cultures showed the presence of H1N1.

Cynthia Johnson, Kenosha County’s director of nursing, said the confirmed H1N1-related death would not alter the county’s strategy for fighting this flu strain.

“We are obtaining the H1N1 vaccine and getting it to the targeted groups,” she said.

Johnson said an average of 57 people die due to seasonal flu each year in the state and it was not uncommon for Kenosha County to experience a flu-related death.

Clinics suspended

All H1N1 vaccination clinics in Kenosha County are indefinitely suspended after the county exhausted its supply of vaccine last month.

Johnson said more vaccine has become available, but it is targeted for health-care workers.

“We have not received anything significant enough to hold a public clinic,” Johnson said.

“We’re working on assessing the need for health care and emergency services workers and working to determine who has not received any vaccine. We’re finding a good portion of these workers did not receive the vaccine.”

Johnson said a decision should come Friday on whether there is enough vaccine to have a public clinic.