H1N1 flu cases continue in Rio Grande Valley

It is difficult to say why some counties in the state - like Hidalgo and Cameron - are experiencing such high numbers of the H1N1 flu, but the trend continues.

The most recent update, released Friday by the Texas Department of State Health Services, shows 159 probable and 1,653 confirmed cases in the state, for a total of 1,812 cases.

With 72 of 254 counties in the state now reporting H1N1 probable and confirmed cases, Hidalgo County leads with 283 cases, followed by Cameron County with 256 probable and confirmed cases.

"It's going to take a while to study and continue surveillance to see why some counties have more cases than others," DSHS Assistant Press Officer Emily Palmer said.

It could be that more people are being tested and there is heightened awareness in the area.

"Our concern is to identify cases and make sure that (infected) people get the support they need," Palmer said, adding that the virus "continues to circulate."

The update DSHS released also shows El Paso County with 207 probable and confirmed cases, Bexar County with 171, Dallas County with 144, Tarrant County with 123 and Harris County with 106 cases.

The remaining counties have reported from one case up to 60 probable and confirmed.

In the United States, there are slightly more than 13,200 cases, including 27 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Worldwide, the World Health Organization reported Friday that 69 countries have reported 21,940 cases, including 125 deaths.

For more information on the influenza, contact the DSHS regional office in Harlingen at (956) 423-0130.

eperez-trevino@brownsvilleherald.com

MAC/ED