Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/3/09:


Reported by the Watertown Daily Times in Watertown, NY:

Six H1N1 cases confirmed in Jefferson County kids

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009

The Jefferson County Public Health Service reported six new confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza Thursday morning. The cases included five children, and one adult who have fully recovered. None of the recent cases were hospitalized.
The total number of confirmed swine flu cases in Jefferson County is now 38, including 32 children and six adults.
Since H1N1 surveillance began April 27, 186 patients have been screened for the virus.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090703/NEWS03/307039974


Reported by the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, NY:

County health officials: Swine flu may be tapering off

Staff reports
Local News ? July 2, 2009 - 9:19am

Monroe County health officials say that local cases of swine flu may be tapering off.
?We are seeing some hopeful signs that the level of illness is declining, but we will continue to closely monitor it,? Monroe County Health Director Dr. Andrew Doniger said in a statement. ?We want people to continue to be vigilant and employ good preventive habits such as frequent hand washing and good cough etiquette.?
They say that the week of June 14-20 appears to have been the peak for the illness, but they are also preparing for the chance that the illness could re-emerge in the fall.

http://rocnow.com/article/local-news/200990702005

Reported by the Observer Dispatch in Utica, NY:

2 more swine flu cases confirmed

Observer-Dispatch
Posted Jul 02, 2009 @ 06:57 PM
Last update Jul 02, 2009 @ 07:01 PM


Two more cases of swine flue have been confirmed in Oneida County, bringing the total number of cases locally to four since the outbreak began in April, according to a news release from Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente?s office. 



The cases were confirmed by the state Wadsworth Laboratory. 



The release included tips from Daniel Gilmore, acting county health director, including frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding people with flu-like symptoms and staying home if people have flu-like symptoms and remaining home for 24 hours after the symptoms subside. 



The H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as swine flu, is now considered widespread throughout the state, according to the state Department of Health. 



For more information, residents can contact the county Health Department or visit www.ocgov.net. 
*


http://www.uticaod.com/news/x931217261/2-more-swine-flu-cases-confirmed


Reported by the Daily News in Batavia, NY:

Wyoming reports first confirmed H1N1 flu case

By Matt Surtel msurtel@batavianews.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 5:35 PM EDT

WARSAW -- The first case of swine flu has been confirmed in Wyoming County.

"This does not come as a surprise," said Dr. Gregory Collins, the county's public health commissioner, in a news release. "With the number of confirmed H1N1 cases in New York State, we anticipated that it would only be a matter of time before we had our first confirmed case."

The county Health Department received confirmation of the H1N1 flu case Wednesday morning from Wadsworth State Laboratory. Officials said the patient -- an adult male -- is recovering without complications, but declined to give further details.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of "regular" seasonal flu, officials said. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting, but those symptoms alone aren't the flu.

People with flu symptoms should stay at home, county health officials said. They should contact their medical provider if they believe they need medical attention, to determine if emergency care is necessary.

Those with symptoms are asked to limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

A total of 2,213 cases of H1N1 flu have been confirmed statewide as of Wednesday afternoon. Besides Wyoming County's case, they include six in Genesee County and five in Orleans County.

http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2009/07/01/news/5687406.txt

 

[JimO]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

Appleblossom,

Are the Long Island hospitalization cases included in the NYC numbers? I went back and searched all the posts on this thread and counted the hospitalizations. I've come up with a total of 934, not counting 7 hospitalizations reported on Long Island.

It was interesting to read your earlier comments. You nailed it. Your prediction that we would go from counting hospitalizations to deaths, sadly, may be just around the corner. And you made that comment when we probably had less than 50 deaths nationwide.

Jim

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

Jim,

as far as I know, NYC DOH reports only on its own jurisdiction, and Nassau and Suffolk counties (Long Island) handle their own numbers.

hats off to you, I can't believe you went through this entire thread looking for info. You definitely have the harder job between the two of us.

 

[JimO]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

hats off to you, I can't believe you went through this entire thread looking for info. You definitely have the harder job between the two of us.

I searched for "hospital" and it only took about 15 minutes. You're the one who found all those articles and posted them. You made my job easy. I've been scouring other states' county health department sites trying to compile this information. I have an idea how much work it takes to keep up with all the counties in NY. So :tiphat:

 

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Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/6/09:


Reported by the Rome Sentinel in Rome, NY:

Two more swine flu cases reported in county

Two more swine flu cases in Oneida County have been confirmed by the state, bringing the total to four since the outbreak began around the country in April.

The latest cases were confirmed by the state?s Wadsdworth Laboratory this week, according to the county executive?s office. The county?s first confirmed case of H1N1 Influenza A virus was reported June 10.

With the exception of flu-free Herkimer County, all adjoining counties have at least one confirmed swine flu case.

There are now 2,246 cases of laboratory-confirmed H1N1 in the state, including 984 cases in 49 counties outside of New York City and 1,262 cases in New York City. These figures do not represent the overall incidence of swine flu, just cases confirmed for the illness. "Residents can take steps to protect themselves," reminds Daniel W. Gilmore, acting health director. He suggests: frequent hand washing; cover coughs and sneezes; avoid people with flu-like symptoms; and staying home if flu-like symptoms occur.

http://romesentinel.com/news?newsid=20090703-141137

Reported by the Buffalo News in Buffalo, NY:

07/02/09 11:49 AM
City schools announce new swine flu measures
By Peter Simon

NEWS STAFF REPORTER

With summer school opening next week, the Buffalo Public Schools are stepping up efforts to combat swine flu.

At a press conference this morning at Waterfront Elementary School, Superintendent James A. Williams announced these new measures:

-- More than 1,500 personal hand sanitizers - slightly larger than a pen - are being provided to summer school teachers and staff by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.

-- Nurses will be on duty at all city schools where summer classes are being held. Not all schools had nursing services in previous summers.

-- A medical director will be provided by Kaleida Health to assist school officials with health-related policy issues, such as whether to close a particular school. The director, who will be a physician, is expected to be in place by September.

Two Buffalo students died of swine flu last month, and nearly 40 other cases have been reported, said Assunta Ventresca, the school district's director of health related services.

Williams again urged parents to keep their children home when they are sick, and said swine flu control is a top priority.
"We're prepared," he said. "We think everything will go well, but you can't predict what's going to happen."

psimon@buffnews.com

http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/721670.html

 

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Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

NYC and NYS Departments of Health
Cumulative Confirmed Cases in New York State as of 7/3/09 -

Albany: 12
Broome: 22
Cattaraugus: 2
Cayuga: 2
Chautauqua: 2
Chenango: 3
Clinton: 4
Columbia: 8
Cortland: 2
Delaware: 2
Dutchess: 41
Erie: 238 / 2 deaths
Genesee: 6
Greene: 2
Jefferson: 37
Lewis: 5
Livingston: 6
Madison: 2
Monroe: 22
Montgomery: 3
Nassau: 96 / 2 deaths
Niagara: 18
Oneida: 4
Onondaga: 90 / 2 deaths
Ontario: 8
Orange: 21 / 2 deaths
Orleans: 5
Oswego: 1
Otsego: 20
Putnam: 4
Rensselaer - 10
Rockland: 15
St. Lawrence - 9
Saratoga: 7
Schenectady: 8
Schoharie - 4
Seneca - 1
Steuben - 1
Suffolk: 134 / 5 deaths
Sullivan: 5
Tioga: 4
Tompkins: 5
Ulster: 6
Warren: 1
Washington: 1
Wayne: 4
Westchester: 86 / 2 deaths
Wyoming: 1
Yates: 1

New York City: 1262 cases / 877 hospitalizations / 38 deaths
**As of 7/1/09, no further updates planned at this time

State Total Confirmed Cases: 2253 / 53 deaths

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/docs/state_h1n1_cases_by_county.pdf



*** This information only gives confirmed locations of H1N1, not the extent of the outbreak.

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

this is interesting, I've been waiting for NYS to update its county case numbers, and as of this morning the website is still showing totals from 7/3/09 (listed above).

They can't still be on holiday, so are the daily case updates stopping?

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/8/09:


:tiphat: Shiloh

Reported by Newsday.com on Long Island

Second Nassau resident with swine flu dies

BY DAVID J. LOPEZ
4:43 PM EDT, July 7, 2009

A second Nassau County resident with a confirmed case of swine flu has died, Nassau's health department said Tuesday.



The death of a minor with "multiple underlying medical conditions," according to the department, increases the swine flu toll on Long Island to seven.

"The minor was admitted to the hospital on June 25 with fever and respiratory symptoms and died on July 1," county Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Torroella Carney said in a news release. 



Nassau County has 98 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.

On Monday, Suffolk County announced a fifth resident with a confirmed case of swine flu had died.

That victim was a woman from the Town of Babylon, between 55 and 65 years old, "who had multiple underlying medical problems," the county said.

The woman was hospitalized June 6, diagnosed with the H1N1 virus on June 23 and died Saturday.



Suffolk has reported 136 confirmed cases of swine flu.



Torroella Carney advises Long Islanders to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus by washing hands often; covering the nose and mouth when sneezing; avoiding close contact with sick people; and staying home from work or school if sick.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-liswin0812948855jul07,0,5646537.story



Reported by the Tonawanda News in Tonawanda, NY:


NIAGARA COUNTY: Health department testing swine flu in DA's office

Published: July 07, 2009 11:18 pm
By Rick Pfeiffer

The Niagara Country Health Department is looking into an outbreak of illness in the Niagara County District Attorney?s office.



At least four people in the office have reportedly fallen ill with flu-like symptoms in the past few days.



?There are some people there who are sick,? Public Health Director Dan Stapleton said. ?The issue is people get sick, they immediately think it?s H1N1 (swine flu).?



Stapleton said a sample has been taken from one employee in the DA?s office and that has been sent to the Erie County Public Health Laboratory for testing. That testing is slated for later today and Stapleton said the results should be known by late Thursday or early Friday.



In the event the sample is confirmed as H1N1 Influenza A, Stapleton said the treatment is no different than of other flu strains.



?We know that H1N1 is somewhat pervasive throughout Niagara County,? Stapleton said. ?That?s why we continue to urge people to take precautions like washing their hands.?



The public health chief said the flu symptoms are relatively mild and that leads many adults to go to work, even though they may feel sick. The health department recommends staying home and not returning to work until a person has been ?symptom free? for 24 hours.



?After 24 hours, the person is safe,? Stapleton said.



Stapleton spoke to the Gazette on Tuesday after he and other county health department officials had wrapped up a meeting with representatives of the New York State Health Department and the federal Centers for Disease Control to review Niagara County?s plans for dealing with infectious disease outbreaks. The public health chief said the state and federal officials seemed pleased with the plan.



?We did a good job of containing (swine flu) in the schools and now they are out for the summer, so we?re concentrating on summer camps,? Stapleton said. ?It?s the same message to parents, if your child is sick don?t send them to camp and if they?re at camp they need to regularly wash their hands.

http://www.tonawanda-news.com/local/local_story_188231854.html

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

NYC and NYS Departments of Health
Cumulative Confirmed Cases in New York State as of 7/7/09 -

Albany: 12
Broome: 22
Cattaraugus: 2
Cayuga: 2
Chautauqua: 2
Chenango: 3
Clinton: 4
Columbia: 8
Cortland: 2
Delaware: 2
Dutchess: 41
Erie: 238 / 2 deaths
Genesee: 6
Greene: 2
Jefferson: 37
Lewis: 5
Livingston: 6
Madison: 2
Monroe: 22
Montgomery: 3
Nassau: 96 / 2 deaths
Niagara: 18
Oneida: 4 / 1 death
Onondaga: 90 / 2 deaths
Ontario: 8
Orange: 21 / 2 deaths
Orleans: 5
Oswego: 1
Otsego: 20
Putnam: 4
Rensselaer - 10
Rockland: 15
St. Lawrence - 9
Saratoga: 7
Schenectady: 8
Schoharie - 4
Seneca - 1
Steuben - 1
Suffolk: 134 / 5 deaths
Sullivan: 5
Tioga: 4
Tompkins: 5
Ulster: 6
Warren: 1
Washington: 1
Wayne: 4
Westchester: 86 / 2 deaths
Wyoming: 1
Yates: 1
**As of 7/3/09

New York City: 1291 cases / 909 hospitalizations / 47 deaths
**As of 7/7/09, no further updates planned at this time

State Total Confirmed Cases: 2282 / 63 deaths

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/docs/state_h1n1_cases_by_county.pdf



*** This information only gives confirmed locations of H1N1, not the extent of the outbreak.

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/10/09:


Reported by the Utica Observer Dispatch in Utica, NY:

Officials: Keep Oneida County swine flu death in perspective

By ROCCO LaDUCA
Observer-Dispatch

Posted Jul 09, 2009 @ 10:18 AM
Last update Jul 09, 2009 @ 08:34 PM<--- the original article was called "First swine flu related fatality in Oneida County" and it appears the title was replaced with a more "PanicDemic friendly" message

UTICA —
The recent death of an Oneida County adolescent who had contracted swine flu does not suggest that the virus is becoming more of a threat, local health officials said Thursday.



“Given the numbers throughout the county, the virus doesn’t appear to be worsening, but it does appear to be hanging on” after first breaking out in April, Oneida County Health Department spokesman Ken Fanelli said. “Certainly this strain of flu has legs and people should be aware.”



Though no information is being released about the victim’s age, gender or residence, health officials said that the victim recently died from underlying health complications due to the H1N1 virus, Fanelli said. 



It appears that the adolescent suffered from asthma, Fanelli said, which placed the child among the categories of people most at risk for catching the virus. The elderly, young children, pregnant women or people with a weakened immune system face the most serious threat. 



This was the fifth confirmed case of swine flu in the county, Fanelli said. The four other patients each have recovered from their infections. 



The adolescent who died was being treated at University Hospital in Syracuse, Fanelli said. The New York State Wadsworth Center laboratory confirmed Thursday that the patient had Type A H1N1 influenza virus, in addition to another underlying medical condition.

The fatality should also be kept in perspective, Fanelli said, since more than 36,000 people die from seasonal flu each year in the country. 



‘Viruses tend to come back’



There have been 2,253 cases of laboratory-confirmed H1N1 in New York. Most of those have occurred in New York City, and close to 1,000 have been found in 49 other counties.

And more cases are expected this fall.



“Viruses tend to come back in the fall,” said Devayani Namassivaya, an infectious disease consultant at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. “That’s the way the flu pandemic worked in the early 1900s — in waves.”
State Health Commissioner Richard Daines has said a vaccine for the H1N1 virus is expected to be available by mid-fall, though the department did not return calls for comment Thursday.



Taking precautions



Fanelli and Namassivaya stressed the need for people to be vigilant in protecting themselves against influenza:



* Frequently wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.


* Cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your arm – never your hand.


* Avoid those with flu-like symptoms.


* Stay home if you experience a fever, cough or other flu-like illnesses. Remain at home for 24 hours after symptoms disappear.


* If you experience severe flu symptoms, including a fever of 100 degrees or higher — particularly if you have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes or if you are pregnant — contact your health care provider, who may prescribe an anti-viral medication. Avoid going to the emergency room or urgent care facilities.



Official: Follow recommendations



Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente offered a comment on behalf of the victim’s family, stating, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our young resident as a result of this illness. I know the thoughts and prayers of all Oneida County residents are with the family and friends at this time of their loss.”



As this year’s flu season approaches, Fanelli said he doesn’t foresee there being a shortage of anti-viral medications, such as Tamiflu, which generally lessens the severity of symptoms. The state Health Department has already begun providing counties with a stockpile of these medications, so a shortage in supply is not likely, he said. 



On Thursday, the National Institutes of Health hosted a meeting of 500 flu officials to discuss the upcoming flu season and preparing for the distribution of the vaccine.

President Barack Obama telephoned from Italy to tell the officials not to promote panic — but to make sure “we are promoting vigilance and preparation.”



In the meantime, Fanelli said, “Probably the best thing anyone can do to stem any infections is to follow our recommendations.”



http://www.uticaod.com/homepage/x1885888180/Swine-flu-kills-Oneida-County-adolescent


Reported by WSYR News Channel 9 in Syracuse, NY:

Cases of H1N1 level off in Onondaga County

Last Update: 7/08 9:42 pm


Syracuse (WSYR -TV) - An update on the Swine Flu health alert contains good news in Onondaga County.
There were only four new cases of Swine Flu reported in the county last week. All four cases did require hospitalization.
That brings the total number of confirmed and probable cases here to 144, but*the county has stopped testing for swine flu unless the person is hospitalized.
But the numbers do show things have leveled off, with only a small number of new cases in the past three weeks.

http://www.9wsyr.com/content/news/swine_flu/story/Cases-of-H1N1-level-off-in-Onondaga-County/bjWKFK-2pU-NfWAqFT_bvw.cspx


*** believe it or not this is all the news I could find for NY, and NYS DOH has still not updated its cases since 7/3...

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

As of 8:00 AM Monday 7/13 New York State DOH has still not updated its case counts. That's 10 days with no info.

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/13/09:


Reported by WICZ Channel 40 in Binghamton, NY:

Swine Flu Still Spreading
7/10/2009

Once the Swine Flu vaccine is ready this October, Broome County Health Officials say kids should be the first in line to be vaccinated.

Health officials say out of all the cases in Broome county 65 percent are kids aged 19 and younger.

Scientists speculate the reason why kids are more susceptible to the virus is because adults may already have a slight immunity to it.

The health department also says just because Swine Flu cases are mild, don't ignore the fact its still spreading--and fast.

"Sseasonal flu is pretty much gone, yet we are still seeing flu cases emerge, and we know also that about 99 percent of those cases are probably Swine Flu, so we know that Swine Flu is here, we're not confirming ever single sample," said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Dir., Broome Co.

In Broome County this Fall, the Swine Flu vaccine will be distributed at schools, primary care physicians and and by E.M.S providers.

http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=9625


Reported by the Niagara Gazette in Niagara Falls, NY:


LOCKPORT: Swine flu hits courthouse

Published: July 10, 2009 10:37 pm*
By Mark Scheer*

LOCKPORT ? Niagara County officials are taking a ?common sense? approach in the wake of a positive confirmation of a case of the H1N1 virus at the courthouse building in Lockport.



County Public Health Director Dan Stapleton confirmed Friday that an individual working in the courthouse building has tested positive for the virus commonly known as the swine flu. 

Due to privacy laws, county officials cannot disclose information about the individual or their condition. 



On Friday, Stapleton reinforced the same message he?s been delivering for weeks about the presence of the H1N1 virus in Niagara County: It?s here, it is contagious and the best way to protect yourself is through proper hygiene practices. 



?The message is that it?s safe,? Stapleton said of the courthouse building. ?People shouldn?t be concerned about doing business there or at any other business as long as they follow the proper precautions.? 



Stapleton said the positive test results were returned Wednesday. He said he is not aware of any other individuals who work at the courthouse who are being tested for H1N1 at this time. He added that people working in the building and residents seeking services there should continue to go about their daily

business, keeping in mind health department recommendations for proper hygiene. He said the most important thing people can do is wash their hands frequently. 



H1N1 flu symptoms are relatively mild, leading many adults to go to work, even though they may feel sick. The health department recommends staying home and not returning to work until a person has been ?symptom free? for 24 hours. Stapleton said adults should keep their children home from summer camps if they exhibit signs of illness. 



?People shouldn?t be any more concerned than they are during the regular flu season,? Stapleton said.

During his regularly scheduled press conference on Friday, County Manager Gregory Lewis also said there are no plans to change the hours of service at courthouse building in Lockport or at the Angelo Delsignore courthouse building in Niagara Falls. He said cleaning crews working at both locations have been instructed to use extra care in this weekend. He said the county also will begin making available to employees and the public antiseptic tissues at various locations throughout both courthouse buildings. 



Lewis said he?s confident the health department is keeping the situation in the proper perspective and he encouraged residents to follow their lead and their recommendations for preventing illness. 



?They are going with the facts,? Lewis said. ?They are level-headed, they are using common sense and they are doing it without panic.? 



http://www.niagara-gazette.com/local/local_story_191223831.html


Reported by WXXI in Rochester, NY:

Rochester is Test Site for Swine Flu Vaccine
Carlet Cleare (2009-07-10)

ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Rochester is one of a dozen cities across the nation with a site to perform clinical trials in finding a potential vaccine for the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

Rochester Clinical Research will begin free test trials in August, and will run for 6 months. Nurse practitioner and spokesperson for the research facility, Michael Brennan says right now they have just over half a dozen people enrolled in the study, but are still looking for more.

Brennan says participants need to be fairly healthy, but that doesn't mean they can't have minor health issues. Vaccines are administered through a nasal spray or shot.


http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wxxi/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1528471/WXXI.Local.Stories/Rochester.is.Test.Site.for.Swine.Flu.Vaccine

 

[appleblossom]

Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/15/09:

:tiphat: JimO

Reported by Newsday.com covering Long Island:

Sixth swine-flu related death in Suffolk

BY JOHN VALENTI | john.valenti@newsday.com
10:33 PM EDT, July 14, 2009

A sixth person in Suffolk County - and the eighth on Long Island - has died after contracting the swine flu virus, county health officials said Tuesday.



The Suffolk County medical examiner's office performed an autopsy Tuesday to determine if the woman, identified only as being between the ages of 40 and 50 and from the Town of Brookhaven, died as a result of the H1N1 influenza virus, officials said. A health department spokeswoman said late Tuesday results of the autopsy have not been released.



Suffolk health commissioner Dr. Humayun Chaudhry said the woman experienced flulike symptoms on June 18, was hospitalized on June 25 and died Sunday. He said the woman had an underlying medical condition.



Five previous deaths in Suffolk have been related to the strain, as have two deaths in Nassau, officials said.

There have been 47 deaths in New York City connected to the virus confirmed this year.



http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/ny-liswin1512967692jul14,0,660072.story


Reported by the Mid Hudson News in Middletown, NY:

Eighth case of swine flu hits Ulster County

KINGSTON ? An eighth case of swine flu has been confirmed in Ulster County, county Acting Public Health Director Nereida Veytia said Tuesday.
The individual concerned is an adult female from the hamlet Wallkill, who is reported to be at home and fully recovered.

The health department is continuing enhanced surveillance and public health education activities, said County Executive Michael Hein.

?We have a huge concern associated with swine flu. The health department is committed to taking action. Anytime we are facing any public health related issues, we are always extremely concerned.?

The hardest hit area of the Mid-Hudson with swine flu has been in Orange County where two women died from swine flu related illnesses.

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2009/July09/15/swinefllu_UC-15Jul09.html


Reported by WHAM Channel 13 in Rochester, NY:

Swine Flu Vaccine Trials in Rochester

Reported by: Liz Medhin
Email: lmedhin@13wham.com
Last Update: 7/13 8:05 pm

Rochester, N.Y. - Clinical trials for a swine flu vaccine will begin in just a few weeks in Rochester.* "We run trials for the pharmaceuticals industry,? said Dr. Matthew Davis.

Rochester Clinical Research is the place where vaccines earn their stripes -- passing test after test before*being passed on to the public.

RCR?s Associate Medical Director Dr. Davis said, "Every year, we do vaccine trials for the regular seasonal influenza.* We've done a lot of the bird flu trial -- the H5N1 -- that everyone was concerned about, and then the swine flu virus sort of popped up unexpectedly in Mexico and? spread very rapidly."

So rapidly in fact, that companies are scrambling to find some way to block it.* They need some volunteers to help.

"Anything that has ever been developed medically has been tested on human volunteers and we never have enough," Davis said. "We need to reach out to the pediatric community for this study, but minorities are often under-represented in pharmaceutical industry testing as a whole, and in this particular study as well, we need volunteers over the age of 65."

Dr. Davis is the principal investigator of the trial, and he says because the vaccine only uses pieces of the actual virus, there's no chance volunteer will get infected with the potentially deadly virus.

"It's really as safe, actually if not safer, than the seasonal influenza vaccine that people will get every year," Davis said.

Clinical trials on a swine flu vaccine begin*in Rochester in August.*

Besides being vaccinated against swine flu, *volunteers get $50 to $100 per visit;*four to five visits are necessary.* Children are needed for this study.*

For more on the study, call Rochester Clinical Research at (585) 288-0890

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/Swine-Flu-Vaccine-Trials-in-Rochester/k9rIEJPw-kSxwtA4O5mGWA.cspx

 

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Re: Confirmed/Suspected Cases in New York State outside NYC

News updates for 7/16/09:

Reported by WCAX in Vermont:

Central NY county has 3rd swine flu death
Associated Press - July 15, 2009 7:15 PM ET

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow says a third Onondaga County resident has died from the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.

Morrow said the patient, who died within the past week, was an adult with underlying medical conditions.

The county has had 93 confirmed and 52 probable cases since April 29.
As of July 3, the state had 2,253 confirmed cases of swine flu, with more than half of them in New York City. A spokeswoman for the agency said more recent numbers weren't available Wednesday.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10734089

Reported by WSYR Channel 9 in Syracuse, NY:

Swine flu is in a down swing in Onondaga County
Last Update: 7/15 4:01 pm

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) ? The Onondaga County Legislature Health Committee held a meeting in Syracuse, Wednesday and discussed the H1N1 virus ? better known as the ?swine flu?.

Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County?s Health Commissioner, said the county is in a down cycle right now, but wasn?t sure how long it would last.

Morrow sees higher concentrations of swine flu in some areas; she?s not quite sure why. But says, ?It?s a concern.?

Morrow handed out a swine flu map at the meeting, Wednesday. You can download it here. (PDF)

http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Swine-flu-is-in-a-down-swing-in-Onondaga-County/Y8OAxymsqUiUcFJH8ZZO5w.cspx

Reported by the Post Standard in Syracuse, NY:

Thanks to the H1N1, double flu shots may be coming this fall

by James T. Mulder / The Post-Standard
Wednesday July 15, 2009, 2:11 PM

Syracuse, NY - People seeking protection from the flu this fall may have to get two shots instead of one.

Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County's health commissioner, said a new vaccine designed to protect people from the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, is expected to be available late this fall.

The H1N1 vaccine cannot be incorporated into the regular seasonal flu vaccine because the seasonal flu vaccine is already in production.
"So we're likely to have a two shot series," Morrow said.

Children under age 9 already get two shots to protect them from regular seasonal flu.

There are still a lot of uncertainties surrounding how the flu vaccination process will be handled, she said. Public health officials don't know for sure when and how much H1N1 vaccine will be available, Morrow said. Also, no one knows yet if the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will recommend H1N1 shots when the new vaccine is ready, she said.

If there's a limited supply of H1N1 vaccine, public health officials will have to identify which high-risk groups get it first, she said.

"It makes our planning more complicated, but it will provide us with an opportunity to provide the public with something that will protect them," Morrow said.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/double_flu_shots_may_be_coming.html