WASHINGTON — Doctors offices and emergency rooms are filling up with people complaining of flu symptoms in the DMV. The flu is widespread in Maryland, Virginia and surrounding states. In D.C., flu activity has elevated.
According to the latest influenza data released by the Centers For Disease Control, flu activity has increased nationwide since previous updates this season. CDC officials estimate there have been 4.6 million flu illnesses, 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from the flu, including 22 children.
Here's a breakdown of flu activity by the region:
District of Columbia:
Flu activity in D.C. is the highest level the region can report since D.C. isn't a state. D.C. reported 517 cases of influenza for the 2019-20 flu season so far. The most prevalent strand of flu has been Type B.
Maryland:
Flu activity in Maryland is high and is geographically widespread. Lab tests in Maryland confirm more than 4,600 cases of the flu with Type B being the predominant strand. Maryland health officials report that four people have died from the flu. So far this season, more than 13,000 people have gone to health providers for suspected flu cases, and emergency rooms reported more than 20,000 visits for flu cases.
The majority of people seeking medical help for the flu in Maryland are infants to people 49 years old.
Maryland Medical Visits For Influenza (Doctor's Offices and Emergency Rooms)
- Infant to 4 years old: More than 9,400
- Five to 24 years old: More than 11,300
- 25 to 49 years old: More than 8,000
- 50 to 64 years old: More than 2,960
- 65 and older: More than 1,960
RELATED: Cooler temperatures to ring in 2020
Virginia:
The flu is widespread in Virginia and intensity is high. State health officials report most of the activity was highest in eastern, northwest and central Virginia. Lab tests confirm more than 1,000 cases of flu in Virginia and officials reported that 255 people have died from pneumonia and influenza.
So far this flu season the state has investigated five flu outbreaks at daycare facilities and 24 outbreaks at schools (grades K-12).
In the latest report, (week ending Dec. 21), people ages five to 18 had the highest number of medical visits for the flu, followed by infants to four-years-old.
West Virginia:
The flu is also widespread in West Virginia, where activity is above the state baseline. State health officials report an increase in emergency room and doctor's office visits for suspected cases of the flu.
Around The Region
The flu is also widespread nearby states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
