Flu activity in Kentucky again drops a bit, but remains high, and nine more adults die from it in state; not too late to get a flu shot

Kentucky Health News

Nine more Kentucky adults have died from influenza, bringing the flu season’s total to 30, two under the age of 18, according to the state Department for Public Health.

While flu activity remains high in the state, the latest weekly report shows the number of new cases dropped for the third week in a row. In the week ending Jan. 18, Kentucky counted 1,544 new cases. Not all cases are counted, because flu does not have to be reported.

At the same time last year, Kentucky’s numbers were more concerning. The state had 4,166 lab-confirmed cases and 13 deaths, one a minor.

Health officials urge everyone six months and older to get a flu shot each year, and note that much of flu season remains.

Hotspots continued around the state. Perry and Pike counties continued to be hit hard by the flu in the week ending Jan. 18, with 76 new cases in Perry and 71 new cases in Pike, for respective totals of 715 and 523. Barren added 75 new cases, for a total of 475; Warren 65, for a total of 416; Bullitt 61, for a total of 527; and Allen 57, for a total of 179.