When the H1N1 influenza virus became widespread last spring, Michael L. Milbrath knew it was a disease to be taken seriously. As executive vice president and administrator of the Waseca Medical Center, he spent countless hours formulating and enacting plans and procedures to prepare staff members and educate the public about the dangers H1N1 could pose in the event the illness arrived the southern Minnesota community…

He had been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus and died from the illness Saturday while at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato, Minn., said Kevin Burns, chief communications officer for Waseca Medical Center, which is part of the Immanuel St. Joseph's-Mayo Health System. He had no underlying health conditions, the Minnesota Department of Health said.

Star Tribune by Tim Harlow, 10/28/09

Tags: H1N1 flu, Infectious Diseases