Five more H1N1 deaths reported in Minnesota

During week 45 influenza activity in Minnesota decreased somewhat but remains elevated.

* Nine (9) schools reported outbreaks of influenza-like illness during week 45. Forty (40) schools reported outbreaks in week 44.
* Two (2) outbreaks due to influenza were reported from long-term care facilities (defined as skilled nursing facilities) this week.
* Influenza-like illness visits to outpatient clinics involved in our Sentinel Provider Network increased this week.
* Since September 1st, 2009, there have been 1,439 confirmed novel H1N1 influenza hospitalizations and 1,699 total novel H1N1 hospitalizations since the virus was first identified in Minnesota.
* Five (5) influenza A H1N1-associated deaths were confirmed in week 45. Twenty-six (26) influenza A H1N1-associated deaths and two (2) influenza-type unspecified deaths have been reported since the virus was first identified in Minnesota.
* The most common strain of influenza characterized at the Minnesota Department of Health has been 2009 influenza A H1N1.