Lab confirmed flu cases in Yuma Co. 540 higher compared to same time last year

YUMA- Laboratory confirmed flu cases in Yuma County have significantly increased this year, by more than 10,000%.

Statistics from the Arizona Department of Health show that during the first week of last year, there had only been 5 lab confirmed cases of the flu for the season so far. However, the same time this year there has been 545 lab confirmed cases for the season so far.

Statewide there was 2,455 laboratory confirmed cases from December 31st to January 6th. That number is 2,200 more cases compared to the same time last year. As for the the 2017-2018 flu season so far in Arizona, there has been 10,400 more cases compared to this time last season.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said, “Parents should make sure their kids are vaccinated and keep them home from school if they have flu-like illness or symptoms. Due to the severity of this year’s influenza season, it is critical that everyone is taking precautions to prevent the spread, including getting vaccinated right away, staying home when you’re sick, washing your hands frequently, covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding touching your face.”

“If you’re at high risk or have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, persistent vomiting, cannot drink fluids, or have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever or worse cough, seek emergency medical care immediately,” Dr. Christ said.

Increased flu cases are not just higher in Arizona this year, but throughout the country.

The link to the most recent flu report is here: http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/flu/surveillance/2017-2018/influenza-2017-18-week1.pdf

You can find more reports from AZDHS here: http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/flu/index.php#surveillance-home