Wisconsin flu activity surges over holidays, following national trend
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel••health
Key Points:
- Flu activity in Wisconsin surged over the holidays, with nearly 1 in 10 emergency room visits during Dec. 21-27 related to influenza, and the state’s flu activity classified as "very high," up from "moderate" the previous week.
- The increase is largely driven by a new variant of the influenza A virus, H3N2 subclade K, contributing to over 620 hospitalizations in Wisconsin the week ending Dec. 27, mostly among residents aged 65 and older.
- Nationwide, flu cases are also rising sharply, with the CDC estimating at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths so far this season as of Dec. 20
