Jefferson County has seen one more COVID-19-related death. The death was reported the week of March 3, bringing the total number of COVID deaths to 36 this respiratory season, which began Oct. 1 and runs through mid-May, the Jefferson County Health Department reported.
The department has received one report of a flu-related death this respiratory season. That death was reported the week of Jan. 7, the department reported.
The Health Department reported the season’s first flu outbreak the week of March 3.
“For flu, an outbreak is defined as at least three cases within a facility,” said Brianne Zwiener, Health Department spokeswoman.
The Health Department did not report which facility had an outbreak.
“At the Health Department, we play the roles of monitor and educator. We will work with a facility to provide education, answer questions and provide resources for testing, etc. We remind them we also have vaccination available at the Health Department if they are interested. We also monitor the facility for a few weeks after the last case to ensure the situation is resolved.”
From Oct. 1 to March 9, 2,357 flu cases were reported, with 1,259 type A cases and 1,098 type B cases. So far this season, reports of flu peaked for the season with 430 cases the week of Feb. 25 but dropped to 174 cases the week of March 3, according to the Health Department.
Also this respiratory season, 5,268 COVID cases have been reported. The highest weekly report was 508 COVID cases the week of Dec. 17, while the lowest was the week of March 3, with 69 cases, according to the Health Department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get this season’s vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of the illness. In February, the CDC recommended a second dosage of this season’s vaccine for adults 65 and older.
In addition, the CDC recommends a flu shot each season for anyone 6 months and older.
For more information about vaccines, visit jeffcohealth.org or call 636-797-4631.
For weekly respiratory season updates, visit jeffcohealth.org/respiratory-illnesses.