2009: H1N1 flu mortality four times higher among American Indians

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infects American Indians and Alaska Natives, with overall death rates four times higher than in all other racial and ethnic groups combined. H1N1 mortality is similar to that of the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic, when American Indians and Alaska Natives died at a similar rate. Dr. L. Castrodale and his associates from the Alaska Division of Public Health theorize that the higher mortality rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives is be related to their higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, poor living conditions, and delayed access to care.

Theme

Epidemics

Region

Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic