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2023 Arkansas flu deaths double in one week, here's what the state health department report says

Nationally, the amount of deaths related to pneumonia or influenza was above the epidemic threshold.

ARKANSAS, USA — According to a report by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the state has a high-intensity level of illnesses that resemble influenza, impacting every age group from newborns to those above 65.

Statements made in the report:

  • Arkansas reported a “High" influenza-like-illness activity level.
  • Between Dec. 17 - 23, there were 55 deaths due to pneumonia in Arkansas
  • Between Dec. 17 - 23, there were 8 deaths due to the flu in Arkansas (more than doubling the total for this flu season).
  • There have been 629 COVID-19-related deaths in Arkansas since the beginning of 2023.
  • Nationally, the amount of deaths related to pneumonia or influenza was above the 'epidemic' threshold.

ADH said, "It is presumed that there are many more people affected than the report shows ... ADH only receives a fraction of actual COVID-19 and flu cases because only statistics of flu hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks are required."

Credit: The Arkansas Department of Health
Credit: Arkansas Department of Health

To read the full report by the ADH, click here.

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