New York State Department of Health has reported a record-setting year for seasonal flu since DOH began tracking cases during the 1998-99 season. The latest influenza surveillance report for the week ending February 22 showed 131,604 laboratory-confirmed cases so far this season. Previously, the record for most lab-confirmed influenza cases reported during a single flu season was 128,892 in 2017-18. While this year’s flu season has reached historic levels, the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases for week ending February 22 decreased 26 percent and hospitalizations decreased 13 percent.
“While I am encouraged to see yet another decrease in the number of flu cases across the state, this year’s flu season has been grueling and New Yorkers must remain vigilant against the spread of the virus,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “If you haven’t already been vaccinated it’s not too late. I urge you to get a vaccine and to please stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the illness.”
Although seasonal flu activity continues to be widespread across New York State, for the second consecutive week, the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and hospitalizations decreased. The latest report showed 10,520 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza have been reported and 1,454 people have been hospitalized with influenza. As indicated in the influenza surveillance report, there were three new influenza-associated pediatric deaths, for a total of nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season. Two of the new three influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurred in New York City while the other was a resident of the North Country region. Flu season occurs primarily from October through May.
