Massachusetts sees another sharp rise in flu cases this past week

Documented flu instances have risen once more this week in Massachusetts.

In line with the Massachusetts Division of Well being, laboratory-confirmed influenza instances elevated by 44% this week which leaves the state at a “average” stage of instances.

The p.c of influenza-like sickness (ILI) visits in Massachusetts is 2.59%, which is larger than the regional baseline of two.0%.

The p.c of hospitalizations related to influenza is 0.97%, which is larger than final season and the 2019-2020 season, however decrease than the 2018-2019 season.

The West area of the state is reporting excessive ILI exercise; the Central, Northeast and Southeast areas are reporting average ILI exercise; Boston, Interior Metro Boston and Outer Metro Boston areas are reporting low ILI exercise.

Over 1800 optimistic labs for influenza have been reported this week, which is the very best weekly quantity reported all season inflicting the second peak of influenza A in Massachusetts. For influenza A, the predominant pressure is at the moment H3N2.

The variety of influenza vaccine doses administered this flu season is similar to final season in the identical week. The vaccination price for all ages is 48%.

Nationally, influenza exercise elevated this week. Influenza exercise is highest within the central and south-central areas of the nation and is growing in most areas.

On the finish of March, statistics compiled by the CDC confirmed that laboratory-confirmed influenza instances elevated by 84% that week.

The Massachusetts DPH factors out that almost all of people with influenza-like sickness will not be examined; subsequently, the variety of optimistic take a look at outcomes doesn’t mirror the overall variety of influenza instances in Massachusetts.