Montgomery Co. mystery illness likely H1N1 virus

Recent mystery deaths in Montgomery County could be attributed to the H1N1 virus.

Conroe Regional Hospital this month reported eight cases of a mystery illness to the county's public health department. Of the eight, four patients have died, according to Wednesday news release from Jennifer L. Nichols-Contella, spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Hospital District & Public Health District.

Of the remaining four patients, one has been diagnosed with H1N1, the release said. Two of the patients tested negative for all flu viruses.

Nichols-Contella said the 2013 influenza vaccine protects against the H1N1 virus.

None of the patients who died had received a flu shot, the release said.

The Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC are investigating the deaths.