Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705352062/Another-Utahn-dies-from-H1N1.html
Another Utahn dies from H1N1
Published: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 6:42 p.m. MST
One more Utahn has died after contracting the H1N1 virus, and another 16 Utahns have been hospitalized, even as the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) statewide has declined for the seventh week in a row.
Health officials are concerned that the falling numbers will lull people into a false sense of security that the epidemic has passed. They are urging Utahns who have not yet been vaccinated to do so during the holiday season when most people have a break from school and work.
Statistics released Wednesday by the Utah Department of Health say a female, age 50-64, died in the southwest Utah health district during the most recent reporting period, Dec. 6-12.
The rate of ILI was at 1.6 percent during that week, down 0.2 percentage points from the previous week. Epidemic stage occurs when the rate of ILI is 1.1 percent or higher.
The most recent numbers come as all Utahns are being urged to get the H1N1 vaccine, now that priority restrictions are no longer in place. State health officials said the supplies of vaccine are better now than they have been since it first became available in early fall.
Public health officials and private health care providers are concerned about the declining demand for the vaccine, because a large percentage of Utahns have yet to be vaccinated.
Several officials have scheduled a media briefing Thursday to update residents on the statewide H1N1 vaccination.
"Many public health officials also anticipate a third wave of the virus is likely to occur later this winter, and getting vaccinated now will provide protection against the illness," said a press release announcing the briefing.
Another Utahn dies from H1N1
Published: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 6:42 p.m. MST
One more Utahn has died after contracting the H1N1 virus, and another 16 Utahns have been hospitalized, even as the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) statewide has declined for the seventh week in a row.
Health officials are concerned that the falling numbers will lull people into a false sense of security that the epidemic has passed. They are urging Utahns who have not yet been vaccinated to do so during the holiday season when most people have a break from school and work.
Statistics released Wednesday by the Utah Department of Health say a female, age 50-64, died in the southwest Utah health district during the most recent reporting period, Dec. 6-12.
The rate of ILI was at 1.6 percent during that week, down 0.2 percentage points from the previous week. Epidemic stage occurs when the rate of ILI is 1.1 percent or higher.
The most recent numbers come as all Utahns are being urged to get the H1N1 vaccine, now that priority restrictions are no longer in place. State health officials said the supplies of vaccine are better now than they have been since it first became available in early fall.
Public health officials and private health care providers are concerned about the declining demand for the vaccine, because a large percentage of Utahns have yet to be vaccinated.
Several officials have scheduled a media briefing Thursday to update residents on the statewide H1N1 vaccination.
"Many public health officials also anticipate a third wave of the virus is likely to occur later this winter, and getting vaccinated now will provide protection against the illness," said a press release announcing the briefing.