In The News

Owner-operator dies of swine flu

A 45-year-old owner-operator died of swine flu after driving through several states before finally seeking hospitalization in an Illinois hospital.

Derrick Keel, who was leased to Landstar System Inc., died Aug. 19 in a Maryville, Ill., hospital, said Stephen Nonn, Madison County coroner. An autopsy indicated Keel had pneumonia in both lungs and the Illinois Department of Public Health lab confirmed the presence of the H1N1 virus.

Keel, who had driven himself to the hospital three days before he died, complained of fever, shortness of breath and a cough lasting several days.

The Centers for Disease Control’s data do not suggest a higher incidence of H1N1 among long-haul truckers than other occupations, said CDC spokesman David Daigle.

“The data we have on higher incidence rates is reflected in part in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for pregnant
women, people with compromised immune systems and underlying chronic conditions, etcetera ” Daigle said.

An H1N1-specific vaccine may be ready in the fall, and the ACIP has just released recommendations on who should receive it. In addition to the populations Daigle named, the committee recommended the vaccine for people who are caring for children younger than 6 months or health care workers.

A Landstar spokeswoman said the company had no comment on Keel’s death.

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