NY declares flu emergency
NEW YORK (AFP) – New York’s governor has declared a health emergency over a flu epidemic that has hit more than 19,000 people in the state, and in an exceptional measure cleared pharmacists to immunise infants and children.
To try to curb the spread of the potentially lethal virus, Andrew Cuomo said it was critical to suspend, for the next 30 days, a legal restriction under which New York pharmacists can administer flu vaccines only to patients 18 or older.
Damien Dancy puts masks on his children at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach, Va.AP
His statement on Saturday came amid a nationwide epidemic expected to last several weeks.
“We are experiencing the worst flu season since at least 2009, and influenza activity in New York State is widespread, with cases reported in all 57 counties and all five boroughs of New York City,” said Cuomo.
“Therefore, I have directed my administration, the state health department and others to marshal all needed resources to address this public health emergency and remove all barriers to ensure that all New Yorkers – children and adults alike – have access to critically needed flu vaccines.”
Already Wednesday, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino had declared a public-health emergency in the city after local health officials confirmed 700 cases of flu – 10 times the number for the entire flu season last year.
So far this season, 20 children have died from the flu, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While there have been at least 28,747 cases reported across the country, the true figure is likely far higher as many who fall ill do not get tested, it added.
In New York state alone, 19,128 cases have been confirmed this season, a jump from the total of 4,404 during the 2011-12 flu season.
The New York Health Department is launching a large-scale campaign to promote immunisation, using the media, dedicated websites and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Cuomo urged non-immunised New Yorkers to schedule a flu shot immediately. “It is not too late to get a vaccination,” he stressed.
He said relatives and caregivers who regularly come into contact with young children or people at high risk should get a shot against the flu virus, which spreads through coughing or sneezing.
It poses an increased risk for infants and toddlers under the age of two, people over 50, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions.
