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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Swine Flu Numbers Drop in N.M. During Past Week
By Olivier Uyttebrouck
Journal Staff Writer
Has swine flu peaked, at least temporarily, in New Mexico?
Swine flu activity tapered off here during the past week even as the epidemic appears to be cranking up in other regions of the country, health professionals said Wednesday.
Flu activity showed "a substantial decline from the week before, and it could signify that we have reached a peak for the moment," said state epidemiologist Mack Sewell. "It certainly is good news for the moment."
People with flu symptoms comprised about 11 percent of New Mexicans who sought medical care in the past week, down from 20 percent a week ago, the Department of Health reported.
The new data substantiates Sewell's observation last week that swine flu hit New Mexico "earlier and harder" than other regions of the United States, which appear to be hard hit this week, he said.
"Virtually all the jurisdictions (of the United States) on Friday were reporting widespread influenza," Sewell said.
But Sewell warned that swine flu could come roaring back here after a lull.
"Influenza is very unpredictable," he said. "Flu doesn't just drop off a cliff."
Five New Mexico adults, all with chronic health conditions, died from complications of swine flu this week, the Health Department reported. Swine flu has contributed to the deaths of 21 New Mexicans, including five children.
Roderick McVeety, medical director of ABQ Health Partners' urgent care system, said doctors have noticed a substantial decrease in the number of flu patients coming to clinics over the past two weeks.
"It seems to be tapering down," he said Wednesday. McVeety said he treated five patients with flu symptoms on Wednesday, down from 10 per day a week earlier. He estimates that the epidemic hit its peak here during the first 10 days of October.
"Two weeks ago, it was just crazy," McVeety said.
New Mexicans who died of swine flu this week included a 52-year-old Sandoval County man, a 51-year-old San Juan County woman, a 69-year-old Bernalillo County man, a 73-year-old Socorro County man and a 49-year-old man who's residence had not been confirmed.
Swine flu vaccine continued to dribble into the state this week, but providers report heavy demand for scant supplies.
"We're probably getting a couple hundred calls a day in each of our offices," said Margy Weinbar, who directs six public health offices in Bernalillo County.
By contrast, the county's health offices received only 300 doses of swine flu vaccine last week, Weinbar said. Staff members are taking callers' names and placing them on a waiting list for vaccine, she said.
"Our clerical staff is doing a great job answering a lot of questions and making sure people are reassured," she said.
McVeety said ABQ Health Partners' pediatricians and obstetricians have started vaccinating pregnant and postpartum mothers within three week of giving birth.
The state had ordered 124,000 doses of swine flu vaccine by Wednesday, meaning the doses had either arrived or were expected within days, Department of Health officials said.
"Right now, the demand far exceeds our ability to provide vaccine," said Maggi Gallaher, medical director for the agency's public health division. "As it trickles in, slowly we'll be meeting the demand."
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