Week 44, ending Nov 2, 2013
For week 44 (10/27/2013-11/02/2013), the overall state ILI rate (4.4%) was comparable to last week (4.1%) and to this time last year (4.3%).
During week 44, two districts (3 and 9) had an increase in ILI activity, while four districts (2, 6, 7 and 8) had a decrease. Three districts (1, 4 and 5) remained about the same.
Since week 35, the percentage of reported ILI cases has been highest among those in the 5-24 years of age group. During week 44, the percentage of reported ILI cases was highest among individuals in the 5 to 24 years of age group.
Flu Testing Reports
From week 40 (week ending October 5th) through week 44 (week ending November 2nd), 18 positive influenza samples were identified by MSDH. All 18 samples were identified as influenza A (2009 H1N1).
The influenza cases were identified from the following counties: Forrest (1), Harrison (1), Jackson (11), Marion (1), Oktibbeha (2) and Washington (2).
Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported nationally during week 44. Both occurred during the 2012-2013 influenza season. One was associated with an influenza A (H3) virus and one was associated with an influenza A virus for which no subtyping was performed. These deaths bring the total number of reported pediatric deaths for that season to 169. No influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2013-2014 season.
Mississippi has had no influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported during this influenza season.
National ILI Surveillance
For week 44, the MS ILI rate (4.4%) continued to remain above the national ILI rate (1.4%).
Mississippi reported ?Local? flu activity for week 44.
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