TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Outbreaks of seasonal and swine flu continue to be widespread across Kansas even as the first shipments of swine flu vaccine arrive in the state, health officials said Monday.
The Department of Health and Environment reported in its latest review that there were 30 deaths from pneumonia or influenza out of the state’s 456 deaths during the week ending Oct. 10, or about 6.6 percent.
Deaths have recently averaged about three per week. The state reported 92 deaths related to pneumonia or influenza — all but nine among those aged 65 and older — from Sept. 26 through Oct. 10. None of the deaths were among people under age 18, but about 53 percent of those sickened by swine flu were between ages 5 and 24.
Eight deaths in Kansas have been linked directly to the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. The latest case was a 48-year-old woman from southwest Kansas who died Thursday. Health officials said she had an underlying health condition. Other details weren’t released.
“This death shows how important it is for all of us to do what we can to protect ourselves and our families against H1N1 flu and to reduce the risk of spreading this virus,” state health director Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips said in a statement.
Overall, 75 of the 105 Kansas counties have confirmed swine flu cases, and the health department report said “clear and consistent” flu patterns were emerging.
Flu Watch
October 20, 2009
Health officials: Flu outbreak widespread in Kansas
- Flu Watch
-
- <img src=" http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/quickread.gif " border=0> Nasal swine flu vaccine recalled over potency Drugmaker Medimmune is recalling nearly 5 million doses of swine flu vaccine because the nasal spray appears to lose strength over time.
- Kansas woman with swine flu dies; toll now 23 A 27-year-old northeast Kansas woman who had swine flu has died, bringing to 23 the number of Kansans who have died after contracting the virus.
-
Missouri “incredibly lucky” in swine flu deaths
The swine flu has killed about 10,000 people around the country, but just 11 in Missouri.
A state official told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in Thursday’s edition that Missouri has been “incredibly lucky.” -
Missouri received 22,000 doses of recalled flu vaccine
Missouri received about 22,000 doses of a vaccine for swine flu that has been recalled.
State health officials say doses of the recalled vaccine were sent to 75 counties across Missouri. -
Vaccine in high supply, but demand dwindles
Demand for the swine flu vaccine was highest when the flu was at its peak and vaccine supplies were limited. Now that the peak of this wave of the H1N1 virus has passed, the vaccine is plentiful and demand is low. But now is not the time to let down one’s guard, experts say.
- One new swine flu death in Oklahoma State health officials are confirming one new death related to swine flu in Oklahoma. The Health Department said Thursday that the death of a Garfield County man last week has been connected to the H1N1 virus.
- Missouri health agency: swine flu vaccine open to all Missouri health officials say the swine flu vaccine now should be available to anyone who wants it. Until now, limited supplies meant that many local health departments restricted access to children, pregnant woman and other high-risk people.
-
Administration pushes swine flu vaccines in ads
Pushing Americans to receive swine flu vaccinations, the Obama administration on Monday released a new slate of television and radio ads to counter an illness that already has infected millions.
The public service announcements target children and their parents, . . . - H1N1 vaccination clinic scheduled in Joplin Access Family Care, in collaboration with the Joplin and Jasper County health departments, will offer the H1N1 flu vaccine from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 530 Maiden Lane in Joplin.
- WHO approves Glaxo’s swine flu shot Drug giant GlaxoSmithKline says one of its swine flu vaccines has been certified by the World Health Organization, making it available for donors to buy for developing countries.
- More Flu Watch Headlines
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
