160 swine flu cases confirmed in Douglas

As of the last week in October, 160 cases of the H1N1 swine flu virus have been confirmed in Douglas County.

Statewide, 2,323 cases have been confirmed, according to Nevada State Health Division spokeswoman Martha Framstead.

Framstead said the case numbers are only those from the state lab and do not include private lab results.

Framstead said many people experiencing influenza-like illness do not seek care from their health care provider. That means that cases both of regular flu and H1N1 are under-reported.

As of Oct. 28, Douglas residents have received 137 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, according to the health department's regular report.

Statewide a total of 22,862 doses have been administered, with the vast majority of those in Clark County. Carson City has administered 1,833 doses.

Nevada was expected to receive 85,934 doses of vaccine, but has only received 63,000 doses.

An immunization clinic in Carson City on Thursday had to be cancelled due to a shortage of vaccine. Doses of the vaccine were administered in Carson City elementary schools on Wednesday and Thursday. So far, swine flu vaccinations are limited to clinics and have not been released to private physicians.

Vaccinations continue to focus on target groups including:

• Pregnant women.

• Healthcare workers and emergency medical services workers.

• People 6 months through 24 years of age.

• People who care for infants under 6 months of age.

• People 24-66 years of age with chronic medical conditions.