Situation Updates

Recent Local Updates:

1/28/10 -- Updated vaccine information from Safety Net Clinics>
1/11/10 -- From Clay County's News Release:
- We know the H1N1 virus is still present in our area since we continue to see reported cases of influenza throughout Missouri and Kansas.
- Historically the months of January, February and March are the peak season for influenza.
- Remember, if you did not get the H1N1 shot and haven’t gotten the flu yet you can still get sick from H1N1. A combination of good hygiene practices and vaccination is still the best defense for avoiding the flu.
1/11/10 -- From a Regional Public Health News Release:
- The 10 health departments of the Greater Kansas City Metro area are urging all adults and children to get their H1N1 flu shots, not only to protect themselves, but their families and fellow citizens as well.
- H1N1 is still in our community, and if you or your children haven't been vaccinated, you still may become infected.
- The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe and effective — it was produced and tested using the same manufacturing process as the seasonal influenza vaccine each year.
12/9/09 -- Most local health departments are now offering H1N1 vaccine to all residents, not just the priority groups defined by the CDC. For more information about where to get a vaccination, contact your local health department, call your family physician, or visit our vaccinations page.
11/30/09 -- Regional Public Health Departments encourage everyone to continue to be vigilant about flu prevention and urge those in priority groups who have not yet received the H1N1 vaccine to get vaccinated. More information>

Recent State Updates:

1/8/09 -- From a KDHE News Release:
- “Even healthy individuals can succumb to pandemic H1N1 flu,” said Dr. Eberhart-Phillips. “Getting vaccinated should remain a priority if you have not yet done so, even if you have no chronic health conditions that would increase your risk of flu complications.”
Missouri publishes weekly flu statistic reports online here>

Recent National Updates:

1/31/10 -- From the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
- Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally are low.
- Overall cumulative hospitalization rates for the 2009-10 influenza season have leveled off in all age groups and very few 2009 H1N1-laboratory confirmed hospitalizations were reported by states during the week ending January 23.
- Another five flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week: four of these deaths were associated with laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1, and one death was associated with an influenza A virus for which the subtype was undetermined. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 312 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths: 262 due to 2009 H1N1, 47 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but the flu virus subtype was not determined, and two pediatric deaths that were associated with seasonal influenza viruses. (Laboratory-confirmed deaths are thought to represent an undercount of the actual number. CDC has provided estimates about the number of 2009 H1N1 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths.
- No states reported widespread influenza activity. Five states reported regional influenza activity. They are: Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, South Carolina and Virginia.
- Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
1/7/09 -- From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- "You may have noticed the spread of the H1N1 flu decreasing lately. What many don’t know is that flu season typically lasts through May, and that past pandemics have occurred in waves. In other words, it’s possible that we will see another increase in H1N1 and/or seasonal flu in the months ahead. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated January 10-16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week."
- To learn more about National Influenza Vaccination Week, please visit www.FLU.gov/getvaccinated
12/31/09 -- From Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius:

"We are at a critical moment in the fight against the 2009 H1N1 influenza. Between April and mid-November, we saw approximately 47 million cases of 2009 H1N1 flu, more than 200,000 hospitalizations and nearly 10,000 deaths, with the vast majority of deaths occurring in children and non-elderly adults. While we are fortunate that flu activity has declined in recent weeks, flu activity -- caused either by the 2009 H1N1 virus or regular seasonal flu viruses -- is expected to continue for months. Flu experts warn that we should prepare for a possible third wave of H1N1 flu."