Arkansas Influenza 2018-19; 113 fatalities, 2 pediatric

[Ronan Kelly]

State Homepage: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/pro...fluenza#Weekly

First Arkansas flu death of the season confirmed

KHBS Updated: 4:05 PM CDT Oct 17, 2018

The Arkansas Department of Health confirmed the state's first flu death of the season Tuesday.

The person was in the age range of 45-64 years old, according to the department.
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227 Arkansans died of the flu last flu season...
https://www.4029tv.com/article/first...irmed/23877217


Second flu death reported in Arkansas

KHBS Updated: 3:58 AM CDT Oct 30, 2018
Adam Roberts, DMM
Digital Media Manager

The second flu death of the season was reported to the Arkansas Department of Health Monday, a spokesperson told 40/2 News.

The first death occurred earlier this month. The health department does not release exact locations of flu deaths within the state.
...
https://www.4029tv.com/article/we-ar...staff/24454237

[Ronan Kelly]

Outbreak Response/Epidemiology
Influenza Weekly Report
Arkansas 2018-2019
Week Ending Saturday 10/27/2018
...
Report Key Points:
 For Week 43, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Minimal? or 1/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 400 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database
by health care providers. In Week 43, 28 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports came
from Drew, Saline, Benton, Pulaski, Ashley, Craighead, Cleburne, Garland, Jackson, and Scott.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 67 percent were
influenza A, and 33 percent were influenza B.
 There are 8 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 2 positive influenza A, 4 positive influenza
B, 1 positive A subtype H1N1, and 1 undetermined. At the ADH lab, 10 samples tested negative this week.
 About 1.7 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. Also, 1.6 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 No school absenteeism rate was reported for last week as we are working with Arkansas Department of
Education (ADE) to reconnect to their system.
 To date, 2 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has also reported
the first pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 42, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as local in 4 states; the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 42 states reported sporadic activities; 4 states reported no influenza
activities; and Guam did not report.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov
...

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_October_27,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Week Ending Saturday 11/03/2018
...
Report Key Points:
 For Week 44, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Low? or 5/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 570 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database
by health care providers. In Week 44, 33 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports came
from Benton, Pulaski, Independence, Craighead, Saline, Sebastian, Ashley, Drew, Faulkner, Franklin, Scott,
and White.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 67 percent were
influenza A, and 33 percent were influenza B.
 There are 12 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 8 tested positive for influenza A, and 4
positive for influenza B. At the ADH lab, 1 sample tested positive for influenza A subtype H1N1, and 6
samples tested negative this week.
 About 1.5 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 2.6 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.8 percent among public schools.
 To date, 2 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported the
second pediatric death nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 43, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as local in 5 states; the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 43 states reported sporadic activities; 2 states reported no influenza
activities; and Guam did not report.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov
...

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_November_3,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Third Flu Death Of 2018 Reported In Arkansas
POSTED 4:11 PM, NOVEMBER 13, 2018, BY 5NEWS WEB STAFF

LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) ? A third Arkansan has died from the flu this year, according to a state Department of Health (ADH) spokeswoman.

The person was in the 65 and older age group, the spokeswoman said.

The department?s weekly flu report noted that the state has reported ?sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for geographic spread and a ?minimal? level of intensity.
...

https://5newsonline.com/2018/11/13/third-flu-death-of-2018-reported-in-arkansas/

[Ronan Kelly]

Week Ending Saturday 11/10/2018

Report Key Points:
 For Week 45, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Minimal? or 1/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 700 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database
by health care providers. In Week 45, 28 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports came
from Pulaski, Sebastian, Independence, White, Benton, Craighead, Franklin, Faulkner, Scott, Chicot, Saline,
Lincoln, and Washington.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 68 percent were
influenza A, and 32 percent were influenza B.
 One PCR positive flu test was reported this week from a private lab, the test is positive for influenza A. At
the ADH lab, 1 sample tested positive for influenza B subtype Victoria, and 8 samples tested negative this
week.
 About 1.9 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 1.9 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.4 percent among public schools.
 To date, 3 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported the
second pediatric death nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 44, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as regional in 2 states; Guam and 6 states
reported local activities; the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 40 states
reported sporadic activities; and 2 states reported no influenza activities.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov
...

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_November_10,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Week Ending Saturday 11/17/2018


Report Key Points:
 For Week 46, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Minimal? or 3/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 900 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database
by health care providers. In Week 46, 31 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports came
from Independence, Saline, Pulaski, Benton, Crawford, Faulkner, Sebastian, White, Craighead, Poinsett,
Scott, and Sharp.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 67 percent were
influenza A, and 33 percent were influenza B.
 There are 18 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 10 tested positive for influenza A, 6 tested
positive for influenza B, and 2 samples tested positive for both influenza A and B. At the ADH lab, 4
samples tested negative this week.
 About 2.2 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 2.6 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 6.7 percent among public schools.
 To date, 3 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported the
second pediatric death nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 45, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as regional in 3 states; Guam and 10 states
reported local activities; the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 35 states
reported sporadic activities; and 2 states reported no influenza activities.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_November_17,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Week Ending Saturday 11/24/2018

Report Key Points:
 For Week 47, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Low? or 4/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 1,100 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online
database by health care providers. In Week 47, 28 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports
came from Drew, Benton, Pulaski, Craighead, Faulkner, Independence, Jefferson, Logan, Sebastian, White,
and Garland.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 69 percent were
influenza A, and 31 percent were influenza B.
 There are 7 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 4 tested positive for influenza A, 1 tested
positive for influenza B, and 2 samples tested positive for both influenza A and B. At the ADH lab, 3
samples tested negative this week.
 About 2.1 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 2.8 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 11.4 percent among public schools. Most major public
schools were out last week for the holidays.
 To date, 3 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported a third
pediatric death nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 46, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as regional in 1 state; Guam and 14 states
reported local activities; and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 35 states
reported sporadic activities.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_November_24,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Report Key Points:
 For Week 48, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Minimal? or 2/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 1,200 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online
database by health care providers. In Week 48, 31 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports
came from Garland, Craighead, Ashley, Pulaski, Sebastian, Benton, White, Jefferson, Saline, Greene,
Independence, Izard, and Perry.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 68 percent were
influenza A, and 32 percent were influenza B.
 There are 15 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 14 tested positive for influenza A, and 1
tested positive for influenza B. At the ADH lab, 5 samples tested negative this week.
 About 2.2 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 2.3 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.4 percent among public schools.
 To date, 3 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported a total
of 5 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 47, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as regional in 5 states; 16 states reported
local activities; the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 28 states reported
sporadic activities; and Guam and one state reported no influenza activity.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_December_1,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Report Key Points:
 For Week 49, Arkansas reported ?Sporadic? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Minimal? or 2/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 1,400 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online
database by health care providers. In Week 49, 34 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports
came from Sebastian, Independence, Garland, White, Craighead, Izard, Benton, Faulkner, Hempstead, Hot
Spring, and Van Buren.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 68 percent were
influenza A, and 32 percent were influenza B.
 There are 19 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 16 tested positive for influenza A, and 3
tested positive for influenza B. At the ADH lab, 1 sample tested negative this week.
 About 2.0 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 2.1 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.4 percent among public schools.
 To date, 4 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported a total
of 5 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 48, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as widespread in 1 state; 9 states reported
regional activities; 18 states reported local activities; the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and 22 states reported sporadic activities; and Guam did not report.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_December_8,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

5th Reported Flu Death of Season in Arkansas
Posted: Dec 18, 2018 09:56 PM CST

Updated: Dec 18, 2018 09:56 PM CST

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A fifth flu death has been reported this season in Arkansas.

An Arkansas Health Department report states that the victim was in the 45-65 age range.
...

https://www.kark.com/news/health-news/5th-reported-flu-death-of-season-in-arkansas/1665521615?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[Ronan Kelly]

Week Ending Saturday 12/15/2018

Report Key Points:
 For Week 50, Arkansas reported “Local” activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
for geographic spread of influenza, and “High” or 8/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 1,600 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online
database by health care providers. In Week 50, 46 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports
came from Garland, Benton, Sebastian, Pulaski, Washington, White, Crawford, Hempstead, Cleburne,
Independence, and Jefferson.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 69 percent were
influenza A, and 31 percent were influenza B.
 There are 23 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 21 tested positive for influenza A, and 2
tested positive for influenza B. At the ADH lab, 2 samples tested negative this week.
 About 2.1 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 4.1 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.7 percent among public schools.
 To date, 5 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season. CDC has reported a total
of 6 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 49, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as widespread in 3 states; 10 states reported
regional activities; 21 states reported local activities; the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and 16 states reported sporadic activities; and Guam did not report.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov
...
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/ima...r_15,_2018.pdf

State reports child's death related to flu
by TEXARKANA GAZETTE AND ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE | Today at 3:17 a.m.

The state's first child death linked to the current flu season was reported this week, a spokesman for the Department of Health said Thursday.

The child was under age 5, and the death was reported "within the last few days," department spokesman Meg Mirivel said. She said she couldn't release any further information about the child because of health privacy laws.

...
The death is the sixth caused by the flu this season. During the previous season, the flu was blamed for the deaths of 227 people, including five children or teenagers under age 19.
...

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/dec/21/state-reports-child-s-death-related-to-/

[Ronan Kelly]

Report Key Points:
 For Week 52, Arkansas reported ?Regional? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Moderate? or 7/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 2,300 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online
database by health care providers. In Week 52, 52 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports
came from Garland, Pulaski, Benton, Sebastian, Faulkner, Craighead, Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, and
Johnson.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 73 percent were
influenza A, and 27 percent were influenza B.
 There are 40 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 36 tested positive for influenza A, 2 tested
positive for influenza B, and 2 tested positive for influenza A subtype H3N2. At the ADH lab, no samples
tested this week.
 About 3.1 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 4.3 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 No school absenteeism report was provided this week due to holiday breaks for the public schools.
 To date, 10 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season, including one pediatric
death. CDC has reported a total of 11 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 51, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as widespread in Guam and 11 states; Puerto
Rico and 19 states reported regional activities; 15 states reported local activities; the District of Columbia,
the U.S. Virgin Islands and 3 states reported sporadic activities; and 2 states did not report.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov
...

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_December_29,_2018.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

11th flu death reported in Arkansas
By: John Walton
Posted: Jan 08, 2019 05:26 PM CST

Updated: Jan 08, 2019 05:26 PM CST

LITTLE ROCK, AR - An 11th flu-related death has been reported in Arkansas.

The latest victim is in the 65 and older age range, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
...

https://www.arklatexhomepage.com/news/local-news/11th-flu-death-reported-in-arkansas/1692583776

[Ronan Kelly]

Report Key Points:
 For Week 1, Arkansas reported ?Regional? activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) for geographic spread of influenza, and ?Low? or 4/10 for ILI intensity.
 Since September 30, 2018, over 2,700 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online
database by health care providers. In Week 1, 48 counties reported influenza cases. The majority of reports
came from Benton, Sebastian, Washington, Pulaski, Garland, Craighead, Lonoke, Faulkner, Van Buren,
Saline, and Ouachita.
 Among flu antigen tests that can distinguish between influenza A and B virus types, 74 percent were
influenza A, and 26 percent were influenza B.
 There are 25 positive PCR flu tests this week from private labs: 21 tested positive for influenza A, 3 tested
positive for influenza B, and 1 tested positive for influenza A subtype H1N1. At the ADH lab, 1 sample
tested positive for influenza A subtype H1N1, and 1 positive for influenza A subtype H3N2.
 About 2.5 percent of patients visiting emergency rooms this week were there for ILI. About 3.0 percent of
outpatient visits were for ILI.
 No school absenteeism report was provided this week due to holiday breaks for the public schools.
 To date, 11 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season, including one pediatric
death. CDC has reported a total of 13 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
 No reports of influenza outbreaks were reported from nursing homes or other facilities this season.
 The proportion of deaths reported to the National Center for Health Statistics attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold.
 For Week 52, the geographic spread of influenza was reported as widespread in 24 states; Puerto Rico and
18 states reported regional activities; 6 states reported local activities; the District of Columbia, the U.S.
Virgin Islands and 2 states reported sporadic activities; and Guam did not report.
 You can report flu year-round and view the weekly influenza report during the influenza season at:
http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/prog...pics/influenza.
You can also access the reporting website directly at: https://FluReport.ADH.Arkansas.gov
...

https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Weekly_Influenza_Report_Week_Ending_Saturday_January_5,_2019.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Flu deaths continue to rise in Arkansas




By Region 8 Newsdesk | January 15, 2019 at 8:04 PM CST - Updated January 15 at 8:04 PM
LITTLE ROCK, AR (KAIT) - The death toll due to the flu in Arkansas continues to rise.

According to the weekly flu report from the Arkansas Department of Health, the total number of flu deaths now set at 14. That includes the one pediatric death so far this year from the flu in the state.
...

http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/01/16/flu-deaths-continue-rise-arkansas/