The number of deaths due to RA is now 31, a generalized influenza activity reported throughout the state

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – Six more flu-related deaths have been reported this week in Arkansas, bringing the total for the season to 31.

The latest report from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) indicates that two victims were aged 45 to 64 years old and four others were aged 65 and over.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 34 pediatric deaths across the country this season, including one in Arkansas.

For week 7, Arkansas reported a "generalized" activity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for geographic spread of influenza and a "high" intensity or 10/10 for influenza-like illness .

Since September 30, 2018, more than 15,200 positive influenza screening tests have been reported in the online database of DHA by health care providers.

The majority of reports came from Benton, Pulaski, Sebastian, Craighead, Faulkner, Washington, Lonoke, Saline, Scott, White, Yell, Crawford, Johnson, Logan and Garland.

The average rate of absenteeism at school last week was 7.0% in public schools. On February 16, ADH knew that 11 schools had been shut down briefly because of the flu.

Of the influenza antigen tests used to distinguish influenza A and B virus types, 92% were influenza A viruses and 8% influenza B viruses.

Read more in this week's flu report.