FLU NUMBERS RISING IN WV - Minnie Hamilton Has Had Few Confirmed Cases

(02/16/2011)
State health officials say 3,538 influenza cases were reported in WV for the week ending Feb. 5, up from 2,336 for the previous week.

Epidemiologist Patrick Burke with the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department told the Herald Tuesday, "We are seeing widespread influenza activity in our region now. Both influenzas A H1N1 and H3 are circulating in the community."

Kim Houchin, Chief Nursing Officer at Minnie Hamilton Health System said, "There have been instances of patients with flu-like symptoms and a very small number of confirmed cases, but nothing significant at this time."

Jeff Neccuzi, with the state Division of Immunization, says the state has about 20,000 doses of flu vaccines available for distribution to county health departments.