Influenza Cases on the Rise

Cases of Influenza are on the rise in Missouri. The latest Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report estimates flu activity is regional, with the Eastern part of the state being the hardest hit. Northwest Missouri has 13 percent of the positive cases reported in the most recent data, and 17 percent for the season.

Laboratory-positive cases reached 1,447 statewide with one influenza-associated death and one outbreak this season. Influenza A is the dominate strain seen so far this year. The majority of cases have been reported in those ages 5 to 24.

Iowa is reporting three influenza-associated deaths this season with no long-term outbreaks. Forty-one schools in the state reported 10 percent of students absent due to illness at least once in the most recent data. Iowa cases have been predominant in the 18 to 24 year old age group, followed by children from 5 to 17 years old. Northwest parts of the state have seen the most cases. Southwest Iowa has yet to identify a single case of influenza this season.