LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — According to the Arkansas Department of Health, the death toll has risen to 56 as of Feb. 19, 2020.
This means 10 more people have died from the flu in Arkansas since last week.
Since September 29, 2019, 24,200 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database by health care providers, with over 2,470 positive tests reported this week.
The ADH reports “widespread” flu activity across the state with “high” intensity.
The average school absenteeism rate last week was 7.5 percent among public schools. As of Feb. 18, 2020, ADH is aware of 38 schools/districts that closed briefly due to the flu this season.
To date, seven facilities including five nursing homes have reported influenza outbreaks.
CDC estimates a total of 14,000 flu deaths have occurred nationwide including 92 pediatric deaths reported this season.