Six new influenza-related deaths in Arkansas were reported last week, bringing the total number of deaths in the state this season to 23, officials said.
The information comes from a state Department of Health report providing information on the flu’s status in Arkansas and across the U.S. through Saturday.
Last week, the state declared the reach of flu activity to be “widespread,” with 68 of 75 counties reporting cases. As of Saturday, over 7,600 positive influenza tests have been provided by health care providers to the department’s online database, a 33 percent increase over the previous week, according to reports.
“We are seeing a bit of an upswing here,” department spokesman Meg Mirivel said, noting this season’s uptick has occurred later than usual.
The flu has been most prevalent among people 18 and younger, and those who are 45 and older, reports state.
Horatio Public Schools in Sevier County, which closed last week after more than 300 students reported coming down with the flu, reopened Monday, according to district officials.
Elsewhere, the most severe absenteeism reports are in Baxter County and Searcy County, at 15.95 percent and 10.42 percent respectively. In Mountain Home, schools were closed on Thursday and Friday, but resumed Monday, officials there said.
No influenza outbreaks have been reported in nursing homes or other facilities in Arkansas this season, the health department said.
Flu seasons generally stretch between October and May, the department said. The height of the season usually begins in December and runs through March, though with cases occurring later this season than usual, the season may stretch into later months, Mirivel said.
“Every flu season is different, so you never know quite how the flu season is going to go until the end,” she said.