Influenza Activity Increasing In Pierce County

TACOMA, WA - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department officials last week announced a marked increase in influenza activity within the county. While influenza activity for the state remains relatively low, an increase in Pierce County appears to match a similar increase across the nation.

An additional 15 people in Pierce County were reportedly hospitalized for influenza-related illnesses since Dec. 18, bringing the total number of reported hospitalizations to 26 since Sept. 22.

The median age for hospitalized patients who've reported influenza-like illnesses remains at 54 years, though the youngest patient most recently discharged from a Pierce County hospital was reportedly just 10 months old. The child was discharged "in good condition," health officials said.

Across the U.S. 11 children have died from influenza-related illnesses during the 2018-2019 influenza season, with 6.2 percent of all influenza-linked deaths reportedly caused by a combination of both influenza and pneumonia.

No influenza-related deaths have been reported in Pierce County since mid-November, though officials said some patients currently hospitalized are "critically ill."

As previously reported, two of the five people who have died from influenza-related illnesses in Washington this season were from Pierce County.

Health officials reportedly expect influenza activity to increase as winter carries on into the new year. To protect yourself and your family health officials encourage immunization as the most effective prevention of influenza and its varying complications.

For data and charts further detailing the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's influenza report, visit tpchd.org.

And for more information on local immunizations, visit tpchd.org/healthy-people/immunizations.

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