Cases of the flu are beginning to increase in Arkansas and Missouri, and absenteeism rates in schools in Arkansas have increased from last week. According to data released by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, sporadic flu activity is being reported in both states. Three influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season with one in Missouri.
Absenteeism numbers among area schools in Arkansas have climbed this past week. (numbers from Missouri are not reported) In Baxter County, absentee numbers went from 5.3 percent to 7.1 percent in the week ending last Saturday. Marion County went from 6.03 to 7.02 percent, Fulton County dropped from 5.23 to 5.13 percent, Izard County eased up from 5.93 percent to 6.15 percent, Boone County jumped from 4.88 to 6.88 percent, Searcy County had the highest increase going from 6.77 to 9.13 percent and Stone County went from 6.27 to 6.28 percent.
To date this flu season, over 900 positive influenza tests have been reported in Arkansas and 1,155 in Missouri. Flu season generally runs from December through March.
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