Four additional Iowa influenza-related H1N1 deaths are being reported today by the Iowa Department of Public Health, and one of the new fatalities is not attributable to risk factors associated with an additional medical condition.

The latest victims are identified as adults in Dubuque, Polk, Mills and Monona counties. To date, there have been 11 confirmed H1N1 deaths in Iowa, including 10 adults and one child.

“While school-age children have been most affected by the H1N1 virus over the past several weeks, surveillance is starting to show an increase in adult illness,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, state medical doctor.

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flue and include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some infected with the virus also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

“With H1N1 vaccine continuing to be allocated to states on a staggered basis, many adults are not yet in the priority group targeted for vaccination,” Quinlisk said. “Until more vaccine becomes available, it’s important for all Iowans to continue to take personal action to prevent the spread of illness.”

Iowans with questions about H1N1 should visit the IDPH Web site or phone the toll-free Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.