Outpatient visits for influenza are up in Maine, but the latest data from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention show no new deaths from the disease.
So far, according to MaineCDC, only one person has died of influenza since the season officially began on Oct. 2. The latest data, released on Nov. 8, covering the week ending Nov. 5, shows no additional fatalities.
MaineCDC data for the week of Oct. 22 showed 1.78% of outpatient health care visits were due to “influenza-like illness,” but the new data shows that number has grown to 2.1%
The new data also shows a single hospitalization from influenza, with six so far this year. There have been a total of three outbreaks reported in the newest data, the only ones so far this year.
The new data also indicated a total of 134 positive tests, or 240 for the entire season. The data indicated a majority of the positive influenza test so far this season were among people ages 5-24, though the latest report did not indicate how many were in that age bracket. The data also indicated Somerset County was the only on the state to rate “moderate” in severity. MaineCDC rated all other counties “low.”
Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) reported influenza-related activity increased, with the highest increases reported in the southeastern parts of the country. So far this season, CDC data shows 17,271 positive cases nationwide, and only one death so far.
