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BY JOE POTENTE
jpotente@kenoshanews.com

Kenosha County has reported its second death related to the HINI virus.

The Department of Health Services said Wednesday 11 more deaths were confirmed in the past week across the state, including one in Kenosha County, bringing to 31 the number of deaths statewide since last spring.

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Kenosha County Nursing Director Cynthia Johnson said the local death attributed to the virus, also known as swine flu, involved an adult with underlying medical conditions. Johnson did not offer any further information about the victim.

The county reported its first swine flu death Oct. 30. That individual was described as a man in his 20s who had significant pre-existing conditions.

Elsewhere in Wisconsin, the new reported deaths include two each in Dane and Portage counties, and single cases in Jefferson, Marathon, Oconto, Ozaukee, Racine and Waupaca counties.

First in Racine County

It was the first confirmed swine flu death for Racine County.

Johnson said health officials are observing a decrease in flu activity across the state. However the presence of H1N1 does remain.

“It’s still widespread, but at least the activity is starting to decline,” Johnson said. “They do anticipate another wave, so now is the opportunity to get your vaccine and maintain your health before the next wave.”

Area residents will have access to the vaccine Saturday, when the county will hold its third clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Job Center building, 8600 Sheridan Road.

It will be the first clinic since overwhelming demand last month forced the Division of Health to postpone other scheduled events. Johnson said more inventory is continuing to trickle in.

“We have a sufficient supply,” Johnson said. “And we have been waiting until we have a sufficient supply, in order to offer this clinic.”

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.