Influenza-related deaths continue to rise in Arkansas, and another pediatric death has been reported.

The Arkansas Department of Health reports that a total of 106 people have died of the flu as of Wednesday, April 16.

That total includes two pediatric deaths. One of those two deaths occurred within the past week, according to ADH.

The number of flu deaths in the state reached 100 last week.

Over 32,400 positive influenza tests have been reported to the ADH online database by health care providers since Sept. 30, 2018. 

Twelve nursing homes in Arkansas have reported influenza outbreaks since Sept. 30, 2018, according to ADH.

The average school absenteeism rate last week was 5.6 percent among public schools. As of April 16, ADH is aware of 28 schools being closed briefly due to the flu this season.