The Jefferson County Health Department has reported another flu-related death for a total of three this respiratory season. The latest death was reported to the department during the week of Jan. 26, while the first two deaths were reported during the week of Jan. 5.
The Health Department’s respiratory report for the week of Jan. 26, which was released today, Feb. 6, shows flu cases were at its highest since the respiratory season began on Sept. 29. The report for the week of Jan. 26 shows 442 cases of flu, with 433 type A, eight type B and one unknown type.
Health Department reports show flu cases have been rising since the week of Jan. 12 when 105 cases were reported. A total of 227 cases were reported the week of Jan. 19. So far this season, 1,255 flu cases have been reported in Jefferson County.
A total of 2,473 COVID cases have been reported to the Health Department since the respiratory season began, including 140 cases during the week of Jan. 26. The highest number was the week of Dec. 22 with 233 cases.
Health Department spokesperson Brianne Zwiener said the agency is not reporting COVID-related deaths this season due to technical issues related to the state switching to a different reporting system.
When the department gets the data, it will be added to the respiratory reports, she said.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends updated COVID and flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. For more information, visit cdc.gov.
