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‘Most confirmed H1N1 cases are in younger people’
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Posted on May 22 2009
The largest number of H1N1 confirmed and probable cases are occurring in people from the ages of 5 to 24, according to the latest health update from the CNMI Department of Public Health Emergency Operations Center.
Many of the reported cases are school children, following a dramatic increase in Japan in the last few days.
According to the DPH public notice, people who are at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications include children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and those who are 65 years and older.
DPH said it could not to find a pattern that would explain why these groups of people are at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.
DPH is therefore warning these high-risk groups, especially pregnant women, to take precautions, be aware of warning signs, and seek medical care as soon as possible.
Although there is no confirmed cases yet of H1N1 flu in the CNMI, the islands’ are still at pandemic alert level 5, as declared by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
WHO reported that as of May 21, the total number of countries affected went up to 41, with 11,034 cases, including 85 deaths.
In the U.S., CDC reported a total of 5,764 confirmed cases in 48 US states since Thursday, May 21, including nine deaths. The most recent reported death occurred in a 22-year-old in Utah.
At the Saipan International Airport, all foreign visitors are subjected to stringent screening procedures. Staff from the DPH provide information materials and ask basic questions whether the incoming and departing passengers are not feeling well.
