MaineCDC records first influenza death


New data from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows one person has died of the disease, the first casualty of the 2022-23 influenza season. 

The latest data, which referred to the week ending Oct. 22, showed one person had died of the disease, the first since the season officially began on Oct. 2. MaineCDC Spokesperson Robert Long said he could not release any information on the patient such as age, gender or location. 

The data indicated 21 positive tests for influenza in the latest report, and a total of 57 cases for the entire season.

The data for the week of Oct. 22 also showed no hospitalizations due to influenza, and no reported outbreaks of the disease. The percentage of outpatient visits that showed what MaineCDC called “influenza-like illness” was low, at 1.78%. 

Nationwide, influenza season occurs every year in the fall and winter. According to an Oct. 14 statement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “while flu activity is relatively low overall, there are early increases happening in most of the country. 

Flu activity is highest and increasing the most in the southeast and south-central parts of the United States. This increased activity could signal an early start to flu season.”

MaineCDC’s influenza specialist was not available for comment, but MaineCDC’s website reminded the public that symptoms of the disease include “Cough, headache, sore throat, fever or chills, congestion or runny nose and muscle or body aches.” 

MaineCDC advised the public to “practice everyday prevention methods” such as washing hands. MaineCDC also recommended Mainers get the influenza vaccine. The U.S. CDC statement recommended vaccinations for “everyone 6 months and older.”



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