OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Douglas County Health Department released its weekly influenza surveillance report which includes good and bad news.
Flu levels remain elevated in Douglas County but the Health Department says "reported cases slightly decreased last week."
The department says school absences remain "elevated."
The Douglas County Health Department released these key points in regards to the report:
- Influenza activity remains elevated with a second wave due to influenza B.
- Influenza B is the predominant circulating strain in Douglas County.
- Two pediatric influenza deaths in Douglas County have been reported this season.
- High levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) activity is occurring nationwide with Nebraska being one of 44 states experiencing widespread influenza activity.
- Nine outbreaks in long-term care (LTC) facilities and one outbreak in a correctional facility have been reported this season.
- It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk from flu and its potentially serious complications. Antiviral medications are an important adjunct to flu vaccine in the control of influenza.
This flu season, 5,725 cases have been reported. 353 of those were reported last week.
