According to a report from the Iowa Department of Public Health, influenza activity in Iowa appears to be on the rise. In a statement released Friday, officials say flu activity is lower than the 2017-18 season, but the prevalence of influenza A(H3), the predominant subtype at this time, has increased noticeably over the last three weeks. Six influenza-associated deaths were reported in the week ending March 2, including the state’s first pediatric flu death of the season, and brings the total number of deaths caused by the flu to 20. In their report, the department says, “This serves as a very unfortunate reminder of the seriousness of influenza and the importance of vaccination.” Since mid-January, over 20 percent of samples submitted to the Iowa Influenza Laboratory tested positive, but that number jumped to 30 percent testing positive in recent weeks. From Feb. 24 to March 2, 25 Iowa schools reported at least 10 percent of students were absent due to illness, with the nearest reporting facility located in Boone County. Influenza activity in Iowa is considered widespread by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The IDPH reminds residents the influenza vaccine is still available, and it is not too late in the season for it to still be effective. A link to the full report can be found included with this story on our website.
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Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network Report
