Washington/Canandaigua, N.Y. – The two adults who died from swine flu were related, according to the Ontario Co. Health Department.
Public Health Director Mary Beer now says that the two adults had "multiple medical conditions putting them at risk for complications from the virus." A previous statement by the health department said there were
no known underlying medical conditions. Officials did not release names and ages of the victims.
According to the CDC 4,000 Americans have already died from the virus, four times previous estimate, which also includes deaths caused by complications from H1N1.
People who spoke with 13WHAM News about deaths say they are trying to keep it all in perspective
“It surprised me,” said Brian Lannon of Port Gibson. “I didn't know we had it in the area.”
“The more people talk about it, the more it’s on your mind,” said Julie Maslyn. “When you have small children, you want to protect your children. My primary concern is for my children, not for me.”
“I'm not afraid of it, if you wash your hands...try to stay away from people who are sick,” said Kathy Murphy of Farmington. “It’s unfortunate they did die, but we don't know the story that well.”
“Too much media!” said Dolly Acquilano of Farmington. “Nothing against you guys, but you're making everybody panic.”
The outbreak of the swine flu puts a strain on local health care providers.
Many pediatric offices are so busy seeing patients with the flu that they've had to cancel regular checkups. Some doctors are working Sundays, and extra staff is helping manage the flood of phone calls to some practices.
In Wayne County, school aged children are getting shots Thursday at Lyons High School.
The Wayne County Health Department will remain at the high school offering vaccinations for at-risk people from 3 to 7 p.m.
When more vaccine arrives they plan to take the same model to other towns.
