NM sees higher swine flu deaths among Indians

[Pathfinder]

NM sees higher swine flu deaths among Indians

Associated Press - December 1, 2009 11:45 AM ET

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Swine flu is killing American Indians in New Mexico at a higher rate than other ethnic groups.

A top state Department of Health official says chronic disease and the distance many Indians have to travel to medical care could be part of the reason.

Indians make up 10 percent of New Mexico's population, but 20 percent of the state's swine flu deaths.

Deputy state epidemiologist Mike Landen says it's not just a statistical fluke.

He says Indians have higher rates of diabetes in New Mexico.

He says they also have higher poverty rates, and throughout the West they tend to live farther away from medical care.

Landen says those factors may be possible explanations for the death rate.

New Mexico has reported 40 swine flu deaths, eight among Indians.

http://www.kvia.com/global/story.asp?s=11598897

[Roehl_JC]

Re: NM sees higher swine flu deaths among Indians

Swine flu is killing American Indians in New Mexico at a higher rate than other ethnic groups, the Associated Press reports.

New Mexico so far has recorded 40 deaths from the H1N1 virus. But while American Indians make up 10 percent of the state?s population, they represent 20 percent of Swine flu fatalities, according to the AP.
The AP asked deputy state epidemiologist Mike Landen for possible reasons why this is occurring. The answer, in brief, is that Indians have higher rates of diabetes and poverty, making them more susceptible, and often live farther from medical care than non-Indians.

The explanation doesn?t offer much solace, but it pinpoints structural challenges that NM?s American Indian population confronts.

http://newmexicoindependent.com/42420/swine-flu-hits-nms-american-indian-population-harder

[Roehl_JC]

Re: NM sees higher swine flu deaths among Indians

Albuquerque, New Mexico (AP) 12-09

New Mexico Health Department officials say four more people have died from swine flu, bringing the statewide total this year to 40 deaths.The latest deaths include a baby boy from Quay County and a 49-year-old man from Bernalillo County, both without chronic medical conditions.

A 54-year-old woman from Curry County and a 74-year-old woman from Valencia County who had chronic medical conditions also died.

The state Health Department has found that American Indians are over-represented in deaths related to swine flu, also known as H1N1.

This ethnic group represents 10 percent of New Mexico?s population, but accounts for 20 percent of the deaths.

The department will target vaccination efforts toward American Indians.

http://indiancountrynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7973&Itemid=114

[Amish Country]

Re: NM sees higher swine flu deaths among Indians

Has there been any speculation if this is due to inadequate healthcare, environment or genetic disposition or some other factor?