Missouri Flu Activity Shows Increase in Northwest Missouri

Compared to past years the rate of influenza in Missouri is about average. However influenza associated deaths remains low, close to half-way through the flu season.

The last weekly influenza surveillance report issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services estimates flu activity is widespread.

For the 14th week of the season, a total of 13,140 cases has been reported in Missouri, the majority being influenza A. Four influenza-associated deaths have been reported in the state.

The main age group affected by the flu continues to be those ages 5 to 24, followed by young children 4 years old and younger. The southeast part of the state is the hardest hit, however northwest Missouri moved into second place for new cases in the past week.

The rate of associated deaths is reported by the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services at 0.04 per day, noticeably lower than the past 7 year average of 13 per day. Taking out statistics from last year when the flu seemed to be non-existent, Missouri averaged 15 deaths per day due to flu during the influenza season. To compare, deaths associated with COVID-19 in the past 35 days in Missouri averaged 5 per day.

Weekly influenza reports are issued from October through mid-May.