Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) said that 1,012 Georgians have been hospitalized with H1N1 and 72 have died of influenza related causes since April 2009.
“We are asking all Georgians to remain vigilant about the H1N1 virus and its complications,” said Dr. M. Rony Francois, M.D., MSPH, Ph.D., director of DCH’s Division of Public Health.
Georgia is one of five states with active H1N1 and other influenza cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Younger people and children have been the most vulnerable to H1N1, as individuals over 50 who have been exposed to related strains in the past may have greater immunity to the virus.
Georgia had many cases of H1N1 in April 2009 and saw a second wave in September.
“We aren’t 100 percent sure that a third wave is occurring or will occur, but if there is a third wave it may happen in our state first, said Dr. Patrick O'Neal, director of DCH’s Division of Emergency Preparedness & Response at a press conference.
