Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas is reflecting national trends of respiratory virus cases on the rise.

The CDC’s latest influenza surveillance report, for the week ending December 13th, showed three states with very high influenza activity, including Colorado. Kansas was reported as having low activity.

However, Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment data shows even low activity has had an impact. For the 20025-2026 season, through Dec. 22, KDHE shows influenza, pneumonia and COVID, combined, have been the direct or contributing cause in 401 deaths.

KDHE also launched a wastewater monitoring dashboard this season. It reflects data from Shawnee, Reno and Johnson counties for influenza, COVID and RSV. It shows influenza levels moderate and increasing, and COVID levels low but increasing.

The CDC estimates the U.S. has had close to five million influenza cases nationwide this season and nearly 2,000 deaths, including at least three children.

The situation has doctors reminding you to get your annual influenza vaccination if you haven’t already. Many urgent care centers, local pharmacies and your doctor’s offices have it available.

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