Re: Iowa reports 32 deaths this season - total 33
Re: Iowa reports 32 deaths this season - total 33
Although H1N1 flu illnesses have declined in recent weeks, state authorities continue to report more deaths from the new disease.
This afternoon, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported three more deaths, bringing the state's total to 33.
The health department said the new deaths were all adults with other health problems that made them susceptible to the flu. They were in Benton, Franklin and Polk counties.
The victims? names, ages and dates of death were not released. Eight of the state?s H1N1 deaths have been in Polk County. All but one of the 33 deaths have been among adults, and most reportedly have had other health issues, such as diabetes, asthma or obesity.
Health department officials said it sometimes takes a few weeks to confirm the cause of death in H1N1 cases.
H1N1 illnesses and hospitalizations have waned recently, but authorities warn that another wave could come later this winter. They continue to urge people to seek vaccinations as soon as possible. The vaccine has been scarce, but supplies have been increasing in recent weeks. At this point, most counties are offering it to pregnant women; anyone 6 months to 24 years old; health-care workers; people younger than 65 who have chronic health problems; and people who care for children younger than 6 months. Iowans are urged to contact their county health departments to check on availability of the vaccine.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/ar...04022/Three-more-H1N1-deaths-reported-in-Iowa
