Southern Nevada Health District Reports Surge In Flu Cases

LAS VEGAS – According to data supplied by the Southern Nevada Health District, the number of flu patients admitted to hospitals surged considerably in late November and early December (SNHD).

Since the start of the flu season on October 1, 217 people have been hospitalized. This represents a 72 percent gain over the previous week. It’s just slightly fewer than the previous week’s total of 78 flu cases, which occurred from Nov. 21 to Nov. 27.

Two weeks ago, SNHD announced the first two flu deaths of the season, a woman in her 40s and another woman in her 60s. The dates of the women’s deaths have not been disclosed.

Over the last two weeks, the number of emergency room/quick care visits involving persons with flu-like symptoms has been consistent, accounting for around 10% of all visits. The percentage of youngsters (17 and under) experiencing flu-like symptoms fell marginally but remained at 51% in the most recent week recorded.

According to an SNHD news release, “the state of Nevada’s respiratory illness activity level remained high among 55 states/jurisdictions.”

Respiratory infections accounted for 7.2% of all patient visits nationwide, substantially exceeding the 2.5% average.

From November 28 to December 3, there was an increase in emergency room/quick care visits among adults aged 18 to 44. That age group became the most common, with youngsters 0-4 years old and 5-17 years old passing.

This year, flu instances have returned early in the season, which begins in October. Flu cases have been very low over the last two years, with very few showing in 2020-21 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and not appearing until later in the flu season in 2021-22.

Credits: 8 News Now