NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) — New York Governor David Paterson signed an executive order on Wednesday, declaring a state of emergency to further combat the spread of swine flu, health officials said on Thursday.
“H1N1 flu is widespread and as a result we’ve had at least 75 known deaths,” said Claire Pospisil, a spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Health. Pospisil said the executive order also enables the state to increase the number of people who are allowed to administer vaccines, such as dentists.
Asked if people should be more worried because of the state of emergency for swine flu, Pospisil said, “no, I don’t think so. It helps us to be more prepared.”
At least 75 people in New York state have died from the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. In the last week, three more adult deaths were associated with the H1N1 flu in the state (excluding New York City). Of the fatalities, two were between the age of 50 and 64. The third person was 65 years or over.
Pospisil said the virus continues to spread.
According to US health officials, New York state governor David Paterson has declared a state of emergency in the state as a result of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak.

The Associated Press news agency reports that the six-page declaration was issued because at least 75 people have died of H1N1 related illnesses in New York since April.  Three have died from H1N1 related illnesses just this past week. The declaration also says that human cases of the virus are on the rise.

Paterson says he issued the declaration because "a disaster has occurred throughout New York State, for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately."

The declaration will allow health officials more access to the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu shot. It will also allow for an increase in the number of vaccine doses available in the state and will allow more health care facilities to administer the vaccine, including dentists and pharmacists. Schools with health centers will also be allowed to administer both vaccines.

Despite the declaration, officials stressed that there is no reason to worry. A spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Health, Claire Pospisil, said that "it the declaration helps us to be more prepared."

The order came shortly after US president Barack Obama declared a national emergency last Saturday, a response to the spreading of the virus, which has now been circulated in 46 states.