Health officials: Flu outbreak widespread in Kan.

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By JOHN MILBURN

Associated Press Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Outbreaks of seasonal and swine flu continue to be widespread across Kansas even as the first shipments of swine flu vaccine arrive in the state, health officials said Monday.

The Department of Health and Environment reported in its latest review that there were 30 deaths from pneumonia or influenza out of the state's 456 deaths during the week ending Oct. 10, or about 6.6 percent.

Deaths have recently averaged about three per week. The state reported 92 deaths related to pneumonia or influenza -- all but nine among those aged 65 and older -- from Sept. 26 through Oct. 10. None of the deaths were among people under age 18, but about 53 percent of those sickened by swine flu were between ages 5 and 24.

Eight deaths in Kansas have been linked directly to the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. The latest case was a 48-year-old woman from southwest Kansas who died Thursday. Health officials said she had an underlying health condition. Other details weren't released.

"This death shows how important it is for all of us to do what we can to protect ourselves and our families against H1N1 flu and to reduce the risk of spreading this virus," state health director Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips said in a statement.

Overall, 75 of the 105 Kansas counties have confirmed swine flu cases, and the health department report said "clear and consistent" flu patterns were emerging.

"Influenza activity throughout Kansas is high, particularly for this time of year, and is increasing," according to the report.

Department spokeswoman Maggie Thompson said shipments of the new swine flu vaccine were arriving in Kansas. She said target groups including health care professionals were beginning to get vaccinated.

"The system is just starting to get to roll along and work," Thompson said Monday. "Orders are getting processed and out, and some orders are going to start going out even same day. That's good news."

She said smaller Kansas counties that might not need large quantities of swine flu vaccine are partnering with neighboring counties to increase numbers, which should speed up delivery from suppliers.

Officials at Fort Riley said they are expecting vaccine in the next two weeks for soldiers and their families. Fort Riley is sandwiched between Riley and Geary counties, an area that had one of the highest initial outbreaks of flu when it emerged earlier this year.

The first vaccinations at Fort Riley will go to child care providers, then distributed to other priority groups. Lt. Col. Paul Benne said the post hospital is awaiting more supplies of seasonal flu vaccine.

Thompson said counties also are reporting trouble getting supplies of seasonal flu vaccine, mostly because of distribution delays.

"We know they've produced more than in years past," she said.

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On the Net:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment: http://www.ksdhe.org