Second Influenza Influenza deaths in Arkansas as the season total climbs to 106

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – A second flu-related death in children has been reported in Arkansas, while the season total climbs to 106.

The 15-week flu report released Tuesday by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) also included five adults. DHA indicates that 71% of adults had not been vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination history.

The report shows that the average rate of absenteeism at school last week was 5.6% in public schools. By April 16, ADH said it knew that 28 schools were closed briefly due to the flu this season.

During week 15, counties reporting influenza cases rose to 42, with the majority reporting from Pulaski, Crittenden, White, Craighead, Garland, Independence and Johnson counties.

The report shows that of the influenza antigen tests used to distinguish influenza A and B virus types, 93% were influenza A viruses and 7% influenza B viruses.

During the influenza season, the DHA publishes a weekly influenza report on influenza activity in the state. The report also compares the flu-like illness in Arkansas to activity in the United States. DHA says it only receives information on a fraction of influenza cases.

Click here to view the 15 week flu report for Arkansas.