Southeastern states see increased cases of flu

As the holiday season approaches, bringing excitement and opportunities to connect with loved ones, it also signifies a surge in indoor gatherings and an increased risk of flu transmission. Facility cleaning managers can take proactive measures by monitoring flu case trends in specific states, allowing them to reinforce hand hygiene practices, evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ), and enhance touchpoint disinfection protocols.

A valuable tool for gauging the potential outbreak in a community is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) weekly flu tracker. The "Weekly U.S. Influenza Report" rates jurisdictions on a 6-tier scale: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, Minimal, and Insufficient data, providing updated information on flu activity.

In the recent findings from week 45 (ending on Nov. 11, 2023), Louisiana was the sole jurisdiction classified as "Very High," with an additional seven jurisdictions categorized as "High" (New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida). This marks a significant increase from week 44, where only Alaska and New Mexico held "High" classifications. Seven jurisdictions were labeled as "Moderate," while the rest either had "Low," "Minimal," or "Insufficient Data" classifications.

On a regional level, the Midwest has not yet experienced a notable spike in flu rates, and the West Coast mostly maintains "Low" classifications, except for California, which is categorized as "Moderate." The Southeastern states have witnessed the most severe flu outbreaks in late fall, while the Northeast remains relatively low.


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