State health officials say a flu strain that caused the 2009 flu pandemic is causing widespread illness again in New Mexico this season.
The New Mexico Department of Health epidemiologist Chad Smelser says the influenza strain is especially hitting children and younger adults.
He says activity and hospitalizations for flu in Albuquerque began rising in late December.
Albuquerque area hospitals reported that H1N1 is responsible for a majority of flu hospitalizations.
At University of New Mexico Hospital, officials say nine patients have been hospitalized for flu since Christmas.
David Stryker, medical director of infection control at Presbyterian Hospital, says 15 people remained hospitalized for flu on Friday.
Smelser did not have figures on the number of flu hospitalizations statewide.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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