H1N1 picking up pace in Minnesota

Star Tribune

Last update: October 14, 2009 - 8:41 PM

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After a brief lull, the spread of pandemic H1N1 flu accelerated significantly in Minnesota last week.

The number of schools reporting outbreaks jumped from 125 to 215 across the state, and the number of people who reported flu-like symptoms at medical clinics more than doubled, from 5 percent of all patients to 11.4 percent, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday. The Health Department asks schools to report when more than 5 percent of their students are absent.

There were another 66 confirmed H1N1 hospitalizations, bringing the total cases since Sept. 1 to 163, with four deaths.

Meanwhile, the first shipments of H1N1 vaccine for the general public have not yet arrived. Clinic officials said they expect them early next week. Seasonal flu vaccination clinics organized by WellCheck Medical Centers that were scheduled for weekends through Nov. 1 at the Maplewood and Southdale malls have been canceled due to vaccine shortages and will be rescheduled.

JOSEPHINE MARCOTTY

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Check the special section about the H1N1 virus at www.startribune.com/flu.

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