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SC ranks 2nd highest in country for flu activity, CDC data shows
WYFF • • health
Key Points:
- South Carolina ranks second highest in flu activity nationwide for the week ending October 31, 2026, with widespread activity and a high influenza-like illness (ILI) rate of 5.1%, above the state baseline of 3.2%.
- The state reported 1,079 lab-confirmed flu tests that week, with a cumulative total of 2,279 for the season, alongside 137 influenza-associated hospitalizations and two deaths so far this season.
- Nationwide, influenza A dominated with 502 cases reported during Week 43, primarily the A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype, while two pediatric flu-related deaths were reported this season.
- The CDC estimates at least 1.7 million flu illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths have occurred in the U.S. during the 2026-27 flu season to date.
- The CDC’s FluView surveillance system monitors flu activity, virus types, and impacts to inform vaccination updates and public health responses, emphasizing the importance of annual flu vaccination for individuals aged six months and older.
