Two more deaths have been reported linked to H1N1 influenza in Maine, bringing the total to five since August, and a Kennebec County long-term care facility is experiencing an outbreak of H1N1, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control. A Hancock County resident between the ages of 25 years old and 50 years old and a Kennebec County resident older than 65 years old died last week. Both had H1N1 and both had underlying conditions.“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased,” said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC. “While most people with H1N1 in Maine and the nation have had relatively mild infections, this news demonstrates how severe influenza can be, especially in those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children.”

No additional information will be released on the two deaths to protect the privacy of the families.

In addition to several dozen schools with outbreaks of flu this week, a long-term care facility in Kennebec County appears to be the first such facility with an outbreak of H1N1. The facility has been closed to visitors, and all staff and residents are being placed on antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu from the State’s stockpile.

“While seasonal flu commonly causes outbreaks in long-term care facilities, H1N1 has not, and this is felt to be in part because infection with H1N1 is relatively uncommon in people older than 64 years,” said Dr. Mills. “We are working with this facility to implement the same measures as we would with a seasonal flu outbreak, with the addition of antiviral medicines for all staff as well as residents.”

Since first being recognized in April 2009, novel influenza A (H1N1) has spread across the globe. In June, a pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization. Children and young adults are disproportionately affected by H1N1, accounting for the majority of confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths. An estimated 4,000 people in the United States have died of H1N1.

In August, a York County man in his 50s was the first Maine resident to die of the pandemic strain of H1N1. Over the past three weeks, H1N1 has become widespread in Maine. This past 10 days a young adult and a middle-aged adult in Penobscot were identified to have died of H1N1. All people who have died thus far in Maine have had underlying conditions, some very serious ones. Over 100 schools have experienced outbreaks and several dozen have been hospitalized.

“People should assume they will be exposed to the H1N1 influenza at some point, and with very limited vaccine supplies in Maine right now, we should all take precautions to prevent serious illness,” said Dr. Mills.

H1N1 Vaccines are in terribly short supply in the state. Most School Aged children were vaccinated and Vaccination clinics have been held in Bangor for pregnant women according to news reports by MPBN.

Individuals who have Latex Allergies should also check on the vaccination itself to see if it is latex free. That is the only reliable way to ensure your shot does not contain Latex. For current information on the Swine Flu outbreak, please check out http://www.maineflu.gov