Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) released its latest weekly respiratory disease report on Friday. It revealed that while the intensity of respiratory illnesses remains very high, school absenteeism rates have shown some improvement. Despite this small positive trend, the number of deaths linked to flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 has increased significantly.
Flu Activity Remains High, Deaths Continue to Rise
According to the ADH, the state’s flu activity remains at the lowest tier of the “very high” category, a slight improvement from the previous week when it was ranked in the middle of the very high range. However, flu-related deaths continue to climb, with 27 new fatalities recorded last week. This brings the total number of flu-related deaths since September 29 to 73.
Pneumonia cases are also a growing concern, with 83 new deaths reported in the past week. In addition, COVID-19 has claimed 14 more lives, raising the total number of COVID-related deaths in the state to 64 since the beginning of the year.
Hospitalizations on the Rise
Hospitalization numbers have surged, with 216 new flu-related hospital admissions reported in the past week. COVID-19 hospitalizations also increased, with 75 new cases requiring medical care. These figures highlight the ongoing strain on the state’s healthcare system as medical facilities continue to manage an influx of severe respiratory illness cases.
Nursing Homes and Congregate Settings See More Outbreaks
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Outbreaks of influenza in nursing homes and other congregate settings remain a serious issue. So far this flu season, Arkansas has reported 38 such outbreaks, an increase of five compared to the previous week. The rise in cases within these vulnerable populations further underscores the importance of preventive measures, including vaccinations and infection control practices.
School Absenteeism Rates Show a Downward Trend
While respiratory illnesses are still widespread, fewer students are missing school due to illness. The latest report shows a drop in absenteeism rates across multiple counties in north-central Arkansas:
• Baxter County: 8.50% (down from 10.73%)
• Marion County: 9.69% (down from 13.64%)
• Fulton County: 9.10% (down from 9.73%)
• Izard County: 9.75% (down from 14.40%)
• Stone County: 8.81% (down from 9.41%)
• Searcy County: 9.31% (down from 13.15%)
• Boone County: 10.76% (up slightly from 10.72%)
• Newton County: 9.79% (down from 9.82%)
These numbers suggest that while illness remains a challenge, the rate of student absences may be stabilizing.
Public Health Officials Urge Continued Caution
Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick. While the decline in school absenteeism offers some hope, the persistent high levels of respiratory illnesses and the rising death toll indicate that caution is still necessary.
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As Arkansas battles a tough flu season, public health experts stress that community-wide efforts remain essential to reduce transmission and protect those most at risk.
