The South Dakota Department of Health says influenza activity was “widespread” during the past week, with 176 new cases confirmed.
The new report brings the flu season’s total to 619 confirmed cases. The department says there were 41 new influenza-associated hospitalizations reported last week, bringing the season’s total to 166 hospitalizations.
One influenza-associated death was reported last week, bringing the season’s total to five deaths. The median age for those cases is 93 years
Other details in the week 5 South Dakota Influenza Summary:
- 4.7 percent of clinic visits were for influenza-like illness (ILI), and 23 percent of those cases were children 4 years of age and younger.
- Six long-term care facility influenza outbreaks reported.
- 3.6 percent of K-12 students were absent due to any illness.
The department recommends that if people are sick, they should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever.
