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Close to 300 cases of influenza-like illnesses were admitted to the Commonwealth Health Center's emergency room within a three-week period, highlighting the unusual spike in the number of flu cases this early in the flu season.
DPH special assistant to the secretary Roxanne Diaz said an unusual number of patients with flu-like illnesses was noted from the last week of October to the first two weeks of November this year.
?According to Ed Diaz, our epidemiologist, we are still experiencing an increase in influenza-like illnesses [ILI] cases seen at the emergency room. The numbers from the three epi-weeks [weeks 11/1, 11/8, and 11/15] are higher than that of last year?s tail end of the H1N1 pandemic. Close to 300 ER cases were seen for ILI in those three weeks,? Diaz told Saipan Tribune, adding that latest numbers will be released in the next few weeks.
Department of Public Health officials earlier warned the public of a surprisingly early wave of flu infections this year. From the usual five or more flu patients being seen daily at the hospital's emergency room, the number has doubled, with patients from across all age brackets.
Initial assessment of cases shows a slight predominance among children.
DPH special assistant to the secretary Roxanne Diaz said an unusual number of patients with flu-like illnesses was noted from the last week of October to the first two weeks of November this year.
?According to Ed Diaz, our epidemiologist, we are still experiencing an increase in influenza-like illnesses [ILI] cases seen at the emergency room. The numbers from the three epi-weeks [weeks 11/1, 11/8, and 11/15] are higher than that of last year?s tail end of the H1N1 pandemic. Close to 300 ER cases were seen for ILI in those three weeks,? Diaz told Saipan Tribune, adding that latest numbers will be released in the next few weeks.
Department of Public Health officials earlier warned the public of a surprisingly early wave of flu infections this year. From the usual five or more flu patients being seen daily at the hospital's emergency room, the number has doubled, with patients from across all age brackets.
Initial assessment of cases shows a slight predominance among children.
