Arkansas Dept. of Health - Information and Case Counts

[Laidback Al]

Arkansas Dept. of Health

http://www.healthyarkansas.com/

As of Nov 19, 2009:
The number of confirmed deaths in Arkansas from the H1N1 flu has now risen to 20, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH)

http://www.healthyarkansas.com/news/pr_111909.html

[Roehl_JC]

Two more deaths confirmed in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -

The Arkansas Health Department says two more state residents have died from the swine flu, bringing the state total to 20.

The Health Department said Thursday that more vaccine for the swine flu is arriving in the state, so it should be easier to find a provider.

The department didn't identify the latest victims of the virus.

People in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, the very young, the elderly and people breathing problems or other health issues are urged to get vaccinated.

The department says people with chronic conditions should contact their doctor as soon as possible if they develop flu-like symptoms.

Those symptoms include fever over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11537663

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Two more deaths confirmed in Arkansas

Arkansas Dept of Health has not released any news articles or updated information since 19Nov on H1N1 deaths. Their website refers back to CDC site.

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Arkansas Dept. of Health - Information and Case Counts

H1N1 Influenza Cases on the Rise Again
Contact:
ADH Office of Communications
Ed Barham, 501-280-4147

Immediate Release
March 22, 2010

Little Rock—The Arkansas Public health Laboratory at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has noted
, raising concerns that H1N1 influenza activity in the state may again be increasing. The ADH will be monitoring this situation very closely.

James Phillips, MD, Director, ADH Infectious Disease Branch is reminding Arkansans that it’s not too late to vaccinate for seasonal and H1N1 influenza. There is plenty of vaccine available free at local health units in each county and vaccine is available for a minimal charge at a large number of pharmacies and doctor’s offices around the state.

"The flu shot is your best protection against the H1N1 flu. “ Phillips said. “If you have not had an H1N1 vaccine, this is a reminder to get a flu shot at your local county health unit, or through your private doctor or clinic.”

“Though this has been an unprecedented year in terms of the number of people who have received flu vaccinations, some people still have not gotten the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.” Phillips added. “ Influenza is unpredictable and we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of 2009 HiN1 influenza, but we do know that vaccination is the single best way to reduce the health impact of influenza.”

The vaccine has proven to be not only effective, but safe. Since October of last year, when H1N1 Vaccine first became available in the state, over 700,000 doses have been given by ADH and its local partners in the public and private schools and at other clinics across the state. So far, there have been no reports of any serious side effects from this vaccine.

Phillips urged vaccination for all Arkansans who haven’t had an H1N1shot or nasal vaccine.

General Public and Health Care Workers
Anyone 6 months or older in the general public is encouraged to get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 flu. Health care workers are among those at high risk of getting and spreading the flu to high risk patients, so it’s important that health care or emergency medical services personnel who haven’t received their 2009 H1N1 vaccine yet to get it now.

For more information about influenza and the importance of flu shots, visit www.healthyarkansas.com or call your local county health unit.

http://www.healthyarkansas.com/news/pr_032210.html