The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has classified the flu as “widespread” in all but one state – Hawaii – however, it has remained at a consistent level for three consecutive weeks, albeit a very high level.
Seven more pediatric deaths were reported this week bringing the total to 37 pediatric deaths nationwide so far this season, with many more adults adding to the death toll. Click here to see “Tragic Faces of the Deadly US Flu Outbreak”.
Below is a look at Health and Human Services (HHS) regional view of activity, with Region 8, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, highlighted.
The North Dakota and South Dakota data breakout is below. South Dakota has had more hospitalizations than North Dakota (238 to 155, respectively). South Dakota and North Dakota have had the same number of deaths so far this year (12), however, North Dakota has had more cases test positive than South Dakota (3,339 to 1,427, respectively). The predominant strain continues to be Influenza A H3N2 for both states, as well as nationwide.
| South Dakota | |
| Age* | Cases |
| 0-4 | 255 (18%) |
| 5-18 | 283 (20%) |
| 19-49 | 331 (23%) |
| 50-64 | 207 (15%) |
| >64% | 351 (25%) |
| North Dakota | |
| Age* | Cases |
| <10 | 703 (21%) |
| 10-19 | 422 (13%) |
| 20-29 | 401 (12%) |
| 30-39 | 388 (12%) |
| 40-49 | 295 (9%) |
| 50-59 | 290 (9%) |
| 60< | 840 (25%) |
Reminders and Recommendations:
- People who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications and get flu symptoms should be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible.
- Protect yourself from the flu by washing your hands often, especially if you are caring for someone who is sick.
- Protect others by staying home, seeing a doctor if you are sick and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Get vaccinated if you haven’t yet. There are still weeks of flu activity to come.
