ARKANSAS (KFSM) — Although flu activity across the state continues to decline, nine more people have died from influenza-like illnesses in Arkansas, totaling 97 this flu season, a new report from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) shows. 71% of the adults were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccine history.
The ADH’s weekly flu report noted that the state has reported “regional” activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a geographic spread and a “moderate” level of intensity.
Since September 30, 2018, over 31,500 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database by health care providers. Last week, 61 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports came from Pulaski, Craighead, Poinsett, Sebastian, Crittenden, Faulkner, White, Lonoke, Garland,
Independence, and Arkansas.
About 2.6% of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for influenza-like illnesses (ILI). About 3.8% of outpatient visits were for ILI, the ADH states.
The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.6 percent among public schools. As of 04/02/2019, ADH is aware that 27 schools closed briefly due to the flu this season.
The CDC has reported 77 pediatric deaths nationwide this season due to the flu, including one in Arkansas.
Since September 30, 2018, 12 nursing homes in Arkansas have reported influenza outbreaks.
To read the full report click here.