Flu cases in Arkansas increased this past week in Arkansas according to the latest numbers released from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and five new deaths have been reported in the state. The Viral Respiratory Diseases Weekly Report released Thursday, which reflects numbers for the week ending March 7, shows the level is at a high level, or an eight out of a scale of 13. Last week, the level was moderate, or a seven out of 13.
A total of 66 deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season.
The ADH’s dashboard shows the number of hospitalizations for each county. Baxter County has seen 36 people put in the hospital with the flu so far this flu season. Marion and Stone counties each have had 10 people hospitalized. All of the other counties in north central Arkansas have had less than 10.
The report indicates 35 influenza outbreaks have been reported from nursing homes or congregate settings this flu season, which is up one from last week.
The average school absenteeism rate for the week was 8.2%, down from 8.5% the previous week.
The report also provides the percentage of students absent in each county for the week. Here are the counties in north central Arkansas and their absenteeism rate:
Baxter – 7.10 (last week was 8.23)
Marion – 7.09 (last week was 9.13)
Fulton – 7.93 (last week was 8.39)
Izard – 9.38 (last week was 13.90)
Stone – 7.51 (last week was 8.27)
Searcy – 8.13 (last week was 8.19)
Boone – 7.57 (last week was 7.69)
Newton – 7.07 (last week was 7.48)
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