Mild H1N1 outbreak reported at Maui school

The state Department of Health says a mild outbreak of the H1N1 flu affected a number of students at a Maui school.  The department called the outbreak a mild one, but said it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and recommended vaccination dosage.

A number of affected students who attended the school where the outbreak occurred were either not vaccinated or had not received the recommended two doses for children younger than 10 years old.

“Fortunately, this incident was short-lived and seems to have run its course,” said Marc Nishimoto, public health emergency preparedness planner at the Maui District Health Office of the Hawai‘i State Department of Health. “It’s a reminder to parents about the continued need to get their children vaccinated. And if a child is under 10, two doses of H1N1 vaccine are needed,” he said.

Officials with the state Department of Health say additional information on the H1N1 vaccine can be obtained by calling 2-1-1 or contacting your doctor. Additional information is available at: http://flu.hawaii.gov.  (Click on the map for a list of vaccinators).