A mysterious illness strikes at a Montgomery County Houston-area hospital, taking four lives, with four more that are infected and are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. All infected people are males between the ages of 41 and 68. But there is little information about the connection between the deaths. There aren’t any autopsy reports and no information on whether they had been vaccinated for the flu. The Montgomery County Public Health District released a statement regarding the mysterious illness stating those that are affected have tested negative for common flu strains. Patients are staying in a separate area of the hospital awaiting lab results. Montgomery health officials report no other hospitals in the county have reported any similar deaths. Health officials recommend taking the following health safety precautions to avoid the flu or this mysterious strain: • Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water • Coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow instead of with your hands • Avoid public places if you have a fever of 100.4 degrees • Avoid sending sick children to school