ATLANTA, Aug 27, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- H1N1 flu in Chicago from April
through July was 14 times higher in children and young adults than in those age
60 and older, Chicago health officials said.
The report by the Chicago Department of Public Health, published in the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report,
summarized the 1,557 cases of H1N1 cases that occurred among city residents.
The findings suggest flu prevention efforts should focus on children and young
adults -- particularly children 5-14 years -- who are at a disproportionate risk
for infection and hospitalization.
Because of the high attack rate of H1N1 flu among children and young adults,
this group should be among first groups targeted for prevention, immunization,
surveillance, diagnostic, treatment and education strategies in the fall, the
report said.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has already recommended this
population should be among the first groups targeted for vaccination with a H1N1
vaccine, when available in October.
In Atlanta, the Georgia Institute of Technology reports about 100 students are
believed to be fighting the H1N1 flu after being on campus for one week. The
University of Georgia in Athens said it has about 60 suspected cases, The
Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International