Our area see’s sharp uptick in flu symptoms

Our area of Mississippi, Region II, has seen a sharp uptick in Influenza Like Illnesses over the last week, according to data from the MSDH. 

We have went from a 1% rate of patients showing symptoms to a rate of nearly 4%, the second highest in the state of Mississippi. 

Overall, the number of patients with flu like symptoms is down this year compared to last year, both regionally and in the state. The first confirmed case of flu was earlier this month. 

The MSDH also confired the first pediatric death in Mississippi from flu related illness earlier this month. 

Region II covers Northeast Mississippi, including Tippah, Benton, Prentiss, Alcorn and more counties. 

As a state, Mississippi’s flu activity is considered sporadic, defined as Isolated cases of lab confirmed influenza in the state; ILI activity is not increased OR A labconfirmed outbreak in a single institution in the state; ILI activity is not increased. You can see the complete report here.