Uptick of Influenza Cases Reported in Missouri

Area health departments have seen an uptick in Influenza A recently.  The latest Weekly Influenza Report indicates over 4,700 cases of the flu have been reported in the Northwest region this season, the second highest behind the Eastern part of Missouri.

A majority of emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms in the area are in children ages 0 to 4, followed by those ages 5 to 24.

Statewide, 15 influenza-related deaths and 4 outbreaks have been reported this season with 840 reported cases.  Two years ago at this time of the season, there had been close to 8,500 positive cases with 27 deaths, 1 outbreak and 4 school closures.

In Iowa, influenza has been named as the cause of 18 deaths this season with 3 in the past reporting period.  Iowa residents age 18 to 24 are the most affected with flu symptoms.  The northwest part of the state is the hardest hit.  Southwest Iowa has not reported any cases of the flu this season.