Flu emergency declared in New York StateJanuary 13, 2013 - 17:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The governor of New York State, Andrew Cuomo, has declared a public health emergency because of the severity of this year's influenza season, BBC News reported. The order makes vaccinations more accessible and allows pharmacists to administer vaccines to children. Almost 20,000 cases of flu have been reported in New York state so far this season - more than four times the number of cases last winter. The flu outbreak has reached epidemic proportions across the U.S. Last week 7.3% of U.S. deaths were caused by pneumonia and the flu, just above epidemic threshold, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu activity was widespread in 47 states, up from 41 the week before. Experts recommend flu vaccines, which have been found to be 62% effective. The 2012-13 flu season is said to have started earlier than usual, with many cases of the H3N2 strain, which can be severe. Some analysts say the latest numbers suggest the worst of the season may have passed. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |