State health officer reiterates vaccination after 52-year-old Kansan dies from H1N1

A 52-year-old man from southwest Kansas has died from the H1N1 flu virus.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Friday that the death brings the total number of confirmed deaths from H1N1 statewide to 26.

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Data from state and federal public health agencies offers insight into how the H1N1 virus compares to other influenza.

To see the charts, visit http://www2.ljworld.com/data/flu

The infection was confirmed in the KDHE laboratory on Dec. 10, and his death was reported to KDHE on Jan. 7.

The man did not have any underlying health conditions that placed him at greater risk for severe complications of influenza.

“Even healthy individuals can succumb to pandemic H1N1 flu,” said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, state health officer. “Getting vaccinated should remain a priority if you have not yet done so, even if you have no chronic health conditions that would increase your risk of flu complications.”

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has two H1N1 flu vaccinations clinics scheduled at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine. They are:

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 9.

• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12.