Posted Dec 12, 2009
In a study involving 12 states, American Indians/Alaska Natives were at increased risk of death due to H1N1 influenza, U.S. health officials say.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released Thursday says an investigation of influenza-related deaths occurring in 12 states between April 15-Nov. 13 found American Indians/Alaska Natives were four times more likely to die from H1N1 influenza when compared to all other racial and ethnic groups combined.
The investigation found that 42 deaths, or 9.9 percent, occurred among American Indians/Alaska Natives, although American Indians/Alaska Natives make up approximately 3 percent of the population in these 12 states, the report said.
“This is most likely largely a reflection of environmental factors and underlying conditions like diabetes and asthma that are more common, access to healthcare rather than genetic or race ethnicity difference,” Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters in a briefing Thursday.
The study authors recommend increasing awareness among American Indians/Alaska Natives and their healthcare providers about H1N1 influenza; early use of influenza anti-viral medications for those at increased risk for H1N1 influenza complications and promotion of H1N1 vaccine in American Indians/Alaska Natives popupations.
URL: www.upi.com