KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | H1N1 Virus Deaths On The Rise Throughout The Valley

H1N1 Virus Deaths On The Rise Throughout The Valley

The Centers for Disease Control released new numbers this week regarding those infected and killed by the H1N1 virus.  

They report that 22 million Americans have been infected with the flu strain; 98,000 hospitalized and 3,900 dead from the virus.

In the Central Valley cases of the H1N1 remain on the rise as well, with 27 deaths reported this year.

• 16 of those deaths have been in Fresno County
•  Three in Kings County
•  One in Madera
•  Five in Merced
•  Two in Tulare County

According to state health leaders, almost 300 people in California have died from H1N1.

Valley residents are paying attention to the H1N1 strain, which is being blamed for the worst flu season in the U.S. since 1997.

Hundreds braved the cold and drizzle for Thursday's H1N1 flu vaccine clinic in Fresno outside the American Legion Hall. 

"It looks like we haven't slowed down any it' looks like another Manchester and another Mosqueda for us," says Norma Sanchez with the Fresno County Health Department, referring to the hour long waits for the shots.

Health officials were prepared on Thursday with 4,600 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, and say more is still available. 

"It doesn't look like we're going to run out anytime soon," Sanchez says.

 H1N1 clinics have been scheduled across the Central Valley this weekend for those still hoping to get the vaccine.

 On Saturday in Visalia a clinic will be held at Green Acres Middle School, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the afternoon.

  In Kings County the Department of Public Health will distribute its first batch of H1N1 vaccines Saturday at three locations.
    They include:

• The Hanford Mall, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• Corcoran High School, from9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
• The Avenal Senior Center, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In Mariposa, H1N1 vaccines will be given out on Sunday at the Mariposa County Fairground from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In Fresno County, people will have another chance on Monday to get the vaccine. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. it will be given out at Washington Union High School in Easton.

 Stay with KMPH and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story.