OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Douglas County Health Department has issued its weekly influenza surveillance report, designed to inform the public about flu trends in the area.
Influenza in Douglas County is continuing to decrease according to most indicators, the report says. Locally, influenza A (H3) continues to be the predominant strain of the illness, with no notable increase in influenza B.
Forty three lab-confirmed flu cases were reported last week, compared to 49 the week before. The percentage of outpatient visits with flu-like illness and percentage of hospital admissions related to the flu decreased last week. Children absent from school due to illness also remained low last week.
A total of 3,794 lab-confirmed cases have been reported since September 30, 2018.
Nationally, influenza remains elevated in 34 states and Puerto Rico.
Influenza A (H1N1, pdm09) viruses remain predominant for the flu season; however, influenza A (H3) was reported more frequently nationally for the last three weeks. Find more information here.
One pediatric death was reported in Douglas County this season. Fourteen adults (over 50 years old) have died in deaths related to the flu so far this year.
