Weekly flu report from ADH shows a decreased trend in cases

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health publishes a weekly influenza report for clinicians during flu season.

The report details the state’s flu activity and contrasts influenza-like illness (ILI) rates in Arkansas with national rates.

As only hospitalizations, fatalities, and outbreaks must be reported, according to ADH, they only receive reports of a small percentage of flu cases.

In week eight, according to ADH, Arkansas reported “minimum” ILI activity level indicators, or three out of 13, as evaluated by data submitted to ILINet.

According to the department, more than 21,900 positive influenza test results have been reported to the ADH by medical professionals since October 2, 2022.

Note that the recorded instances only represent a part of the real number of flu cases in the state, according to ADH.

Less than 2% of patients who visited emergency rooms this week had ILI, according to ADH (Syndromic Surveillance).

According to ADH, the average week’s absence rate for public schools was 7.4%.

During flu season, Arkansas reported 146 influenza-related fatalities, one of whom was a child. 76% of those, according to ADH, were unvaccinated.