News

Influenza cases on the rise in the state

By Scott Wagar

01/06/2015

With the CDC announcing this past week that America is in an influenza epidemic. The cases in North Dakota have also risen, but are still considered at a low level capacity when compared to other states across the nation.

EPIDEMIC

During the week ending Dec. 20, 2014, the CDC stated that 6.8 percent of all deaths in 122 cities in the United States were caused by pneumonia and influenza, which has placed the nation in an epidemic state. How far the epidemic will go, and if the nation is in danger of a pandemic like the 1918 flu cannot be known at this time, but individuals can decrease their chances of getting the flu though some easy precautions.

NORTH DAKOTA
 
The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has stated that the state is seeing widespread influenza activity in the state.

“As of Dec. 13, 332 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza have been reported, with a large increase in the number of cases reported in the last two weeks,” stated a NDDH’s press release. “Several community outbreaks have also been reported in recent weeks.” 

Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Morton, Rolette, Stark, Walsh, Ward and Williams counties ranked the highest in the state with 50 or more cases of the influenza, while the majority of the counties are seeing one to 10 cases of the flu. 

Those counties with high incidents of the flu are seeing Type A and B of unspecific influenza. Walsh and Williams counties are also seeing Type A(H3) flu cases.

BOTTINEAU COUNTY
  
In Bottineau County, there are 19 cases of Type A unspecific influenza and is presently in the lower ranks of flu cases in the state.

PREVENTION

Whether a county is experiencing low or high numbers of influenza, the CDC states there are ways to increase your chances of not getting the flu this season, which include:

● Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

● If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

● While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

● Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

● Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. (If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful).  

● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

● Also, antiviral medications, which can treat flu illness, may be used in certain circumstances to prevent the flu.

Individuals are also encouraged to get the flu shot, but the NDDH wants to remind people that it takes two weeks for the flu shot to become effect. 

The NDDH stated that if individuals want to know more about influenza activity in the state, visit www.ndflu.com.