State lab confirms second case of Influenza
January 10, 2005
ATLANTA (GA) - The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) reports that the state public health laboratory has confirmed the second case of influenza (Flu) this season.
The Level of influenza-like-illness in Georgia: Sporadic
No activity Sporadic Local Regional Widespread
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For a breakdown of national activity, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm .
Vaccine supply
In December 2004, local health departments across the state received nearly 100,000 doses of influenza vaccine from Aventis Pasteur. Now, Georgia's public and private healthcare providers have received approximately 1.3 million doses of influenza vaccine, and most health departments currently have vaccine available for members of the priority groups. Georgia will have the opportunity to order more vaccine in January.
Vaccine eligibility
The DHR Division of Public Health will follow the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and will encourage all providers with influenza vaccine to open eligibility to all individuals over age 50, household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of persons in high-risk groups beginning January 3, 2005.
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"Although the activity level for the state remains sporadic, the confirmation of a second influenza case shows that the flu season is not over and people can still get the influenza," explained Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., director of the DHR Division of Public Health. "This is a reminder to us all that vaccine is available, and it is important that eligible persons receive their flu shot - before there is more drastic increase in influenza activity."
For additional media information:
Tod Rose; 404-463-2299
tsrose@dhr.state.ga.us