To date, 38 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season for the week ending February 23, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). 

There have been 21 deaths from people 65-years-old and over, 16 deaths from people between 45 to 64 and one pediatric death, said ADH.

Sixty-four percent were not vaccinated, according to ADH.   

Three Arkansas nursing homes have reported flu outbreaks and more than 18,600 positive flu tests have been reported online to ADH, since September 31, 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported a total of 41 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.

Arkansas reported “Widespread” activity to the CDC for geographic spread of influenza, according to the report.

The average school absenteeism rate last week was 7.3 percent among public schools. As of February 23, ADH is aware that 16 schools closed briefly due to the flu.

Click here for the ADH report.