H1N1 Influenza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 16, 2009

The Southern Nevada Health District reports the following information for the week ending Saturday, December 12.

As of the October 20 report, the Southern Nevada Health District’s weekly update reports cumulative 2009 H1N1 influenza case counts since August 31, 2009 to coincide with the national Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the health district’s epidemiology surveillance programs for the 2009-2010 influenza season.

The comprehensive weekly surveillance report is posted at: http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/download/epi/flu-surveillance-update-121209.pdf

Cumulative totals may not add up to the current week total plus the cumulative total from the previous week, as cases from previous weeks can be reclassified from influenza to novel H1N1 based on new lab results, and duplicates are identified and removed.

Clark County 2009 H1N1-related deaths since spring 2009: 32*

The health district is reporting two additional deaths for the week ending December 12. The patients are a 20-year-old man and a 56-year-old man, both of whom had underlying medical conditions. One patient died in mid-November and the other patient died in early December after a lengthy hospitalization. Both deaths were reported to the health district during the week ending December 12.

To date, the health district has received 147,100 doses of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, some of which has been distributed to private providers. More than 320,000 doses have been delivered to private providers in Clark County by the Nevada State Health Division. The Southern Nevada Health District has administered more than 86,500 doses since Oct. 10. The health district typically administers between 25,000 and 30,000 doses of influenza vaccine during a traditional, seasonal flu season.

-30-

*This number represents Clark County residents only and is cumulative since 2009 H1N1 influenza was identified in the spring. In early June, the health district reported the death of a hospitalized patient who was a resident of another state.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.