First flu-related death reported in Arkansas this season

Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas faces the harsh reality of the flu season as the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) confirms the first influenza-related casualty. The individual who passed away was a senior, older than 65, marking a somber milestone for the 2023-24 flu season.

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To keep health professionals informed, the ADH releases a Weekly Viral Respiratory Diseases Report. This report provides essential data on the spread and impact of influenza, along with other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and RSV.

In the most recent update, Arkansas has been labeled with a “Minimal” status, scoring 3 out of a possible 13 on the Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) activity level indicator. This ranking is based on the figures collected by the ILINet, a system that tracks flu cases.

The current season has already seen one reported outbreak in nursing homes or similar communal living facilities.

The report also highlights that Hospital Emergency Department visits have reached 2.25% for ILI symptoms, closely followed by 2.24% for COVID-Like Illness (CLI), and 0.49% for RSV. Additionally, outpatient visits for ILI stand at 2.09%.

In a bit of good news, no new COVID-19-related deaths have been reported this week. However, since the start of the year, the state has experienced 478 deaths associated with COVID-19.

For ongoing updates and to report instances of the flu, the public and healthcare providers can access the Viral Respiratory Disease Weekly Report. The ADH encourages year-round flu reporting and offers resources for the public to stay informed about respiratory illness trends in the state.

You can report flu year-round and view the Viral Respiratory Disease Weekly Report here. You can also access the reporting website directly by clicking here.