texas

Texas Experiencing High Influenza Activity Levels Report Says

Texas is experiencing a high level of influenza-like illness (ILI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The CDC, which continues to recommend a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, said the flu virus is elevated nationally. So far this season, the CDC estimates as many as 20.4 million Americans have had the flu and that as many as 22,300 people have died after contracting the virus.

In Texas, the CDC reports flu activity has been widespread since mid-January.

In Dallas County, there were 248 positive influenza tests during week six of reporting for 2019 (ending on Feb. 2). For week seven, 330 tests were positive. Since Sept. 9, 2018, there have been 1,402 people who tested positive for influenza in Dallas County and there have been 10 flu-related deaths, according to the county health department.

In Tarrant County, there were 643 positive influenza A tests from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. The next week, the number increased to 750.

In Collin County, 353 influenza tests were postive from Feb. 3-9.

Denton County had 286 positive influenza tests during week 5 of the year and 304 during week 6.

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