JimO
Well-known member
Source: http://www.kdheks.gov/H1N1/EPI_Reports/11-21-09/2009_H1N1_Weekly_epi_11212009.pdf
Overview
Although influenza activity has continued to decline through the week ending November 21st, the week ending November 21st marks the 13th straight week of elevated influenza activity in Kansas, as measured by the percentage of patients seeking care in ILINet outpatient clinics for influenza-like illness (ILI). And some of regions of the state, particularly the southeast and northwest, continue to report levels that are twice as high as we would expect to see at this time of the year.
As of the week ending November 21st, 19 deaths due to pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus had been confirmed and reported in Kansas, which, as mentioned in previous reports and media releases, likely under-represents the actual number of deaths that have been caused by this virus. The percent of all deaths caused by influenza or pneumonia ? one of the most common complications of influenza ? is utilized as an indicator of the impact of influenza. Nationally, the proportion of all reported deaths that is due to pneumonia or influenza has remained above the epidemic threshold for seven consecutive weeks.
An important epidemiologic characteristic of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is the higher disease burden among younger people. This is reflected in the most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the numbers of persons who have become ill, the number of patients hospitalized, and the number of deaths caused by this virus. The deaths due to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that have been confirmed and reported in Kansas are consistent with national data. Although 90% of deaths attributed to influenza and associated complications typically occur among persons ages 65 years and older, 19 of the 21 2009 H1N1 influenza deaths confirmed and reported in Kansas have occurred among persons under age 65. Although most (15) of the deaths have occurred among persons with underlying health conditions that increased their risk of serious complications from influenza, more than one-fourth of those who have died did not have risk factors that have previously been identified to increase the risk of death from influenza. Kansas, along with other states all across the U.S., is participating in epidemiologic assessments with the CDC to better understand the risk factors associated with severe complications from 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus infection.
Overview
Although influenza activity has continued to decline through the week ending November 21st, the week ending November 21st marks the 13th straight week of elevated influenza activity in Kansas, as measured by the percentage of patients seeking care in ILINet outpatient clinics for influenza-like illness (ILI). And some of regions of the state, particularly the southeast and northwest, continue to report levels that are twice as high as we would expect to see at this time of the year.
As of the week ending November 21st, 19 deaths due to pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus had been confirmed and reported in Kansas, which, as mentioned in previous reports and media releases, likely under-represents the actual number of deaths that have been caused by this virus. The percent of all deaths caused by influenza or pneumonia ? one of the most common complications of influenza ? is utilized as an indicator of the impact of influenza. Nationally, the proportion of all reported deaths that is due to pneumonia or influenza has remained above the epidemic threshold for seven consecutive weeks.
An important epidemiologic characteristic of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is the higher disease burden among younger people. This is reflected in the most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the numbers of persons who have become ill, the number of patients hospitalized, and the number of deaths caused by this virus. The deaths due to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that have been confirmed and reported in Kansas are consistent with national data. Although 90% of deaths attributed to influenza and associated complications typically occur among persons ages 65 years and older, 19 of the 21 2009 H1N1 influenza deaths confirmed and reported in Kansas have occurred among persons under age 65. Although most (15) of the deaths have occurred among persons with underlying health conditions that increased their risk of serious complications from influenza, more than one-fourth of those who have died did not have risk factors that have previously been identified to increase the risk of death from influenza. Kansas, along with other states all across the U.S., is participating in epidemiologic assessments with the CDC to better understand the risk factors associated with severe complications from 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus infection.