ARKANSAS (KNWA) – On February 12, 25 influenza-related deaths have been reported in Arkansas this flu season, including one pediatric death, according to Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
- Age 0-4 — 1 death
- Age 45-64 — 12 deaths
- Age 65+ — 12 deaths
The ADH’s weekly flu report noted that the state has reported “widespread” activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a geographic spread and a “high” level of intensity.
Since September 30, 2018, over 11,400 positive flu tests have been reported to the ADH online database by health care providers.
In Week 6, ending on Saturday, February 9, 69 counties reported influenza cases.
The majority of reports came from Benton, Pulaski, Washington, Craighead, Lonoke, Sebastian, Crawford, Faulkner, Scott, White, Logan, Pope, Saline, Yell, and Hot Springs.
The average school absenteeism rate last week was 7.75 percent among public schools.
As of February 9, ADH is aware that 10 schools closed briefly due to the flu.
CDC has reported a total of 28 pediatric deaths nationwide this season.
![In this photo released by The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, shows officials burning seized drugs in Niamey, Niger, Monday, June 26, 2023. Drug seizures soared in the West African Sahel region according to figures released Friday April 19, 2024 in a new U.N. report, indicating the conflict-ridden region is becoming an influential route for drug trafficking. In 2022, 1,466 kilograms, [3,232 pounds], of cocaine were seized in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Niger compared to an average of 13 kilograms [28.7 pounds] between 2013 and 2020 , said the report from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. (UNODC via AP)](https://www.ozarksfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2024/04/66227f20833c86.35694935.jpeg?strip=1)
