ARKANSAS, USA — According to a report by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the state has a high-intensity level of illnesses that resemble influenza, impacting every age group from newborns to those above 65.
The weekly report compares COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory virus numbers in Arkansas to data of the greater U.S.
It is also noted in the report that "The information ... is representative of the timing and location of activity, but it does not reflect the overall disease burden ... ADH only receives a fraction of actual COVID-19 and flu cases because only statistics of flu hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks are required."
Statements made in the report:
- Arkansas reported a “Very High" influenza-like-illness activity level
- So far in this year's flu season, there have been 69 influenza-related deaths
- Of the deaths, 72% were not vaccinated
- From Feb. 18 - 24, there were 21 deaths due to COVID-19 in Arkansas
- In 2023, there were 705 deaths due to COVID-19 in Arkansas
- In 2024 so far, there have been 105 deaths due to COVID-19 in Arkansas
- From Feb. 18 - 24, there were 14 deaths due to the flu in Arkansas
- Nationally, the amount of deaths related to pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19 was above the 'epidemic' threshold.
To read the full report by the ADH, click here.
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