ARKANSAS, USA — According to the Arkansas Department of Health, 6 more Arkansans have died due to flu-related complications this week.
This brings the death toll to 33 this flu season in Arkansas; one was a pediatric death.
Since Sept. 29, 2019, 13,200 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database by health care providers, with over 1,900 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 7.4 percent among public schools. As of January 28, 2020, ADH is aware that 4 schools/districts closed briefly due to the flu this season.
To date, four facilities including 2 nursing homes have reported influenza outbreaks.
CDC estimates a total of 8,200 flu deaths have occurred nationwide including 54 pediatric deaths reported this season.