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Number of H1N1 cases drops, but another wave expected

ELKHORN — H1N1 activity has declined in all five of Wisconsin's public health regions, according to the latest update from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

However, another wave of H1N1 cases could occur, and health officials still are urging people to get vaccinated.

DHS has announced that public health departments and private health care providers can start vaccinating members of the general public.

Since Sept. 1, 2009, there have been 854 hospitalizations due to H1N1 virus infection in Wisconsin.

There have been four additional H1N1-related deaths reported in Bayfield, Dane, Milwaukee, Polk counties.

This brings the H1N1-related death total to 47 statewide since cases began occurring in April.

Last week, DHS announced that public health departments and private health care providers could start vaccinating members of the general public. However, DHS has instructed all health care providers to continue efforts to reach out to and vaccinate those in the CDC target groups.

The CDC's target group includes:

Pregnant women

Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers).

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.

All people from 6 months through 24 years of age.

Persons 25-64 years of age with conditions associated with higher risk of complications from influenza.

The CDC also announced that 800,000 doses of H1N1 made by Sanofi Pasteur are being voluntarily recalled because the antigen content is below specified limits.

The vaccine is safe, and the non-safety voluntary recall is based upon testing of pre-filled syringes intended for young children, ages 6 months to three years.

Some of the lots have a lower potency, although it is unlikely there will be a significant reduction in effectiveness for those who have received vaccine from the affected lots.

In addition, children under age three are in the category of receiving two doses of vaccine.

Therefore, they should have adequate protection against the virus.

The CDC continues to stress there will be adequate supplies of H1N1 vaccine available for everyone who wants it.