2 more flu deaths reported in Southern Nevada

Two additional seasonal influenza-related deaths have been reported in Southern Nevada, bringing to four the number of people who have died with flu being a likely contributor, public health officials said Friday.

Since October, flu-related deaths were reported to the Southern Nevada Health District in the following age ranges: less than 5 years old, ages 5-24, 50-64, and one patient older than 65.

This time last year, there were 12 such deaths, said Stephanie Bethel, a health district spokeswoman.

Hospital emergency departments remain busy, but the situation has improved, Bethel said. Only one hospital was forced to divert ambulance traffic late this week after several did so on Monday and Tuesday because of crowding.

“We’re continuing to monitor the situation and again encourage people with influenza-like illnesses to visit their primary care doctors or urgent care centers,” Bethel said.

A University Medical Center spokeswoman said Quick Cares also have experienced increased patient visits the past several weeks.

Statewide, activity is increasing as expected for this part of the season, but the trend is comparable to previous years, state epidemiologist Dr. Ihsan Azzam said. Because of a technical issues, Azzam could not access mortality data for the state but said hospitalization levels continue to be comparable to or lower than last year.

Another consequence of the flu season is a drop in blood donations. Paul Milakeve, donations coordinator for Unit­ed Blood Services, said his agency is reaching out to potential donors because of so many no-shows in their clinics and absentees at remote blood drives.

United Blood Services and the American Red Cross work to ensure the supply is available for patients needing blood in Southern Nevada.

Flu season usually causes problems for blood banks. Regular donors who set up appointments in advance will cancel if they’re sick. When the portable labs arrive for a remote blood drive at businesses, fewer donors are available because people have stayed home from work with flu-like symptoms.

“If you’re not feeling well and you’re a regular donor, you know you’re not able to donate,” said Julie Brehm, Nevada district manager for donor recruitment for the Red Cross. “Any first-time donors would be screened out with that first question we ask about how they are feeling.”

Ill people can’t donate. If you are healthy and willing, blood bank officials say, there’s no better time to give.

Contact Steven Moore at smoore@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4563.