A 75 year-old man from the Topeka metropolitan area has died from infection with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced today. This death brings the total number of confirmed deaths from the pandemic strain statewide to 19.
The man’s infection was confirmed in the KDHE laboratory on November 4, and his death was reported to KDHE on November 18. The man had underlying health conditions that placed him at greater risk for severe complications of influenza.
KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby and Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, Kansas State Health Officer, expressed sympathy and offered their deepest condolences to the family.
“I strongly encourage anyone who is recommended and able to be vaccinated against the pandemic H1N1 virus at this time to please do so,” said Dr. Eberhart-Phillips. “In addition to protecting yourself, you will be safeguarding the health of others.”
The pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine is being distributed to public health departments and health care providers across the state. Certain individuals are recommended to receive the vaccine earlier. For more information on vaccine prioritization, please visit www.kdheks.gov/H1N1/H1N1_Vaccine.htm. Up-to-date information on H1N1 vaccination clinics being held across the state can be found by going to www.kdheks.gov and clicking on “Where can I receive the H1N1vaccine?”
It is important to note that the number of deaths confirmed to be caused by pandemic H1N1 influenza under-represents the true number of deaths. The great majority of all influenza or pneumonia-related deaths that occur (pneumonia is the most common severe complication of influenza) do not have a confirmatory lab result associated with them. For more information on mortality due to influenza-like illness in Kansas, please review KDHE’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Weekly Status Report ava
Augusta, Kan. —
