H1N1 cases drop in Delaware

Despite the drop, health official say the H1N1 threat is not over.

For the fifth week in a row, the number of new cases of H1N1 in Delaware and around the country are down, but state health officials caution that now is not the time to get complacent.  For the week of November 15-21, there were 19 lab confirmed cases of H1N1 and 110 cases of influenza-like symptoms.  For the week of November 22-28, there were just two lab confirmed cases of H1N1 and 44 cases of influenza like symptoms.

Director of the Division of Public Health Dr. Karyl Rattay says the current decline in cases is not an indicator that cases will continue to decline.  “It’s so unpredictable, and that’s what makes us continue to be aware and alert.”  Rattay says health officials are closely watching for any signs that the H1N1 virus is changing to become resistant to antiviral medication.  There has been evidence that the virus has changed to resist antiviral medication in two cancer patients at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Rattay says 117, 000 Delawareans have been vaccinated for H1N1, and health officials remain focused on getting residents who are at high risk of complications from H1N1 vaccinated.  Click here to find a flu shot clinic near you.