Influenza cases increase by 168 compared to last week

For the first time in this influenza season, the North Dakota Department of Health reports widespread influenza activity.

According to the ministry, more than 1,800 cases of influenza have been reported so far this season.

Many of these people are under 10 years old.

They also say that only 44% of children in North Dakota aged 6 months to 4 years are vaccinated.

The latest state-wide influenza report indicates that the number of cases has increased by more than 150 since this week.

472 cases of influenza have been reported this week.

Compared to 304 last week.

But the numbers are still a little down from 2018

Last year, 861 people reported contracting the flu, which is almost double what the Ministry of Health sees today.

Five people died this year because of flu-related symptoms.

The Ministry of Health is urging people to get vaccinated.