ARKANSAS, USA — According to the Arkansas Department of Health, the death toll has risen to 36 as of February 4, 2020.
This means three more people have died from the flu in Arkansas since last week. One of those deaths was someone between the ages of 25 to 44 years old.
Since September 29, 2019, 16,900 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database by health care providers, with over 2,800 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 7.6 percent among public schools. As of February 4, 2020, ADH is aware of 23 schools/districts that closed briefly due to the flu this season.
To date, five facilities including three nursing homes have reported influenza outbreaks.
CDC estimates a total of 10,000 flu deaths have occurred nationwide including 68 pediatric deaths reported this season.