During the past week, the number of new H1N1 influenza cases has increased significantly in the county, according to Dr. Walter Fritz and Public Health Nurse Frank Lynch.
Exact numbers are unavailable, as medical recommendations are to hold expensive confirmatory testing for seriously ill patients.

When performed, screening tests for influenza type A have been frequently positive, with 97 percent of these tests found due to the H1N1 virus in other areas of the state. Fortunately in Starke County, the disease has been mild and self limited. However, several cases have required hospitalization.
Again, Starke County residents are urged to wash their hands frequently when around others. Cover coughs meticulously and stay home from work or school if ill.
Cough without phlem, fever over 101, body aches and muscle soreness, and sometimes nausea or vomiting are the usual presenting symptoms. If these have gone on for more than two to three days, or seem to be especially severe or progressive, medical care through one's family physician or Starke Memorial Hospital emergency room should be sought.
The supply of H1N1 vaccine coming into the county has significantly slowed, due to unexpected difficulty in manufacturing. The growth of viruses in laboratories or factories is highly unpredictable. Federal and state governments have been very efficient in pushing whatever supplies they receive out to counties.
Because Starke County is expected to receive only minimal vaccine quantities this week, no public clinics this week are planned. Family physicians still might have limited quantities from previous weeks.
Although one phase of the H1N1 epidemic is currently here, additional phases are predicted in future months. Everyone over six months of age should still be vaccinated, with pregnant women and children in the first groups.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ed Charbonneau summarized information in a letter to all legislators from Health Commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe on the current status of the H1N1 flu and vaccine.
• Indiana has had 7 deaths thus far
• We have only received about 30% of the doses that were expected by this time due to limited production
• We are ordering our maximum allotment of vaccine as it becomes available and it is delivered to the counties based on population
• County health departments are responsible for distribution of the vaccine in their counties
For more information, go to www.in.gov/flu.