Flu activity in state now “widespread”

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky health officials are reporting the first flu-related deaths in the state this season.

The Kentucky Department of Public Health says flu activity has been raised to “widespread,” the highest level of flu activity, indicating increased flu cases in at least half of the state.

According to the department’s influenza report, there have been four flu-related deaths in the state since August 4 and 1,622 confirmed flu cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, nationwide, more than 647,000 flu-related hospitalizations occurred and more than 61,000 people died as a result of the flu in 2018.

In Kentucky, there were 196 flu-related deaths, two of which were children.

Health officials say the current flu season runs from September 2019 to May 2020.

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