Just six weeks into the flu season and 6,600 Americans have died from H1N1, the virus that caused the 2009 ‘Swine flu’ epidemic. Since mid-January the death rate has been ABOVE epidemic levels, though is not yet as high as the death rate of 2009.
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H1N1 Has Killed 6,600 Americans Since October
Just six weeks into the flu season and 6,600 Americans have died from H1N1, the virus that caused the 2009 ‘Swine flu’ epidemic. Since mid-January the death rate has been ABOVE epidemic levels, though is not yet as high as the death rate of 2009.
The CDC weekly flu report states that influenza was responsible for 8.4% of ALL deaths in 122 cities across the United States for the week ending February 8th. An epidemic is considered to be any outbreak of disease where the fatality rate is above 7.3%.
Not all cities report flu data to the CDC so the actual death rate could well be much higher.
H1N1 affects young and middle aged individuals to a far higher level than it affects the elderly. This is a stark contrast to most flu viruses where the elderly are usually the hardest hit group.
CDC spokesman Jason McDonald told the Washington Post:
“These severe flu outcomes are a reminder that flu can be a very serious disease for anyone, including young, previously health adults.”
California has been hit hard with 243 confirmed deaths from the virus. 41 more were reported last week and are awaiting final confirmation as to the cause of death.
North Carolina is looking at a record number of deaths from the influenza this season.
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Contributed by Chris Carrington of The Daily Sheeple.
Chris Carrington is a writer, researcher and lecturer with a background in science, technology and environmental studies. Chris is an editor for The Daily Sheeple. Wake the flock up!
