The Arkansas Department of Health’s (ADH) weekly respiratory disease report for the week ending Dec. 14 shows for the first time this season the intensity level has reached into the high level. The scale has three levels of very high, three levels of high, two levels of moderate, two levels of low and three levels of minimal. This week’s level is the lowest of the high level. Last week it was at the top of the low level.
The report tracks viral respiratory diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) each week.
For the week ending this past Saturday, Dec. 14, the ADH reported 10 new flu-related hospitalizations in Arkansas and 40 new COVID-19 hospitalizations.
One new death was attributed to the flu last week and three flu deaths have been reported since Sept. 29.
There were 53 deaths reported the past week by the ADH due to pneumonia in the state.
No new COVID-19 deaths were reported this past week. The total number of deaths this year in Arkansas due to COVID stands at 484.
Three influenza outbreaks have been reported at nursing homes or other congregate setting institutions so far this flu season.
The report also provides the percentage of students absent due to the flu in each county for the week. Here are the counties in north central Arkansas and their absenteeism rate:
Baxter – 6.66 (previous week was 5.92)
Marion – 6.62 (previous week was 7.35)
Fulton – 6.13 (previous week was 7.44)
Izard – 5.25 (previous week 6.36)
Stone – 5.57 (previous week was 5.66)
Searcy – 5.44 (previous week was 6.57)
Boone – 6.54 (previous week was 7.24)
Newton – 5.85 (previous week was 5.38)
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