Both the percentage of patient visits due to “influenza-like illness” and the percentage of positive flu tests reported by hospitals increased the week of Dec. 22-28 compared to the previous week.
Several flu-related deaths have been documented in Denton, Dallas and Tarrant counties this 2019-20 flu season, which typically peaks between December and February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Denton County
Denton County Public Health reported its first flu-related death—a local adult—of the 2019-20 flu season, according to a Jan. 3 news release.
“Announcing the first flu death of this season in Denton County is incredibly difficult,” said Juan Rodriguez, the chief epidemiologist and assistant director of Denton County Public Health, in the news release. “Flu activity remains high in Denton County, and we want to remind residents to receive their flu vaccine to best protect themselves and others.”
Denton County reported high flu activity from Dec. 22 to Dec. 28—during which there were 264 confirmed cases out of 786 flu tests. This is 65 more confirmed cases than the previous week. There were also 18 hospitalizations from Dec. 22 to Dec. 28.
Public health officials are also urging residents to take antiviral medications if they experience flu symptoms and to take preventative actions, such as covering coughs and washing hands, according to the news release.
Dallas County
The Dallas County Health and Human Services department has confirmed five flu-related deaths in the 2019-20 season.
Most recently, the DCHHS confirmed Jan. 7 that an 85-year-old resident of Cedar Hill died from flu-related causes.
“We have seen an early increase in flu activity in Dallas this season,” said Dr. Philip Huang, the DCHHS director and health authority. "While we cannot predict the severity or duration of the flu season from year to year, the best way to protect yourself and others is to get your flu vaccine.”
The DCHHS has also reported the flu-related deaths of a 79-year-old Irving resident with pre-existing medical conditions, as well as a 36-year-old Dallas resident.
Tarrant County
Tarrant County has also tracked widespread flu activity. Two pediatric deaths were recently reported in December.
“Seasonal influenza is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths annually in the United States,” according to Tarrant County Public Health.
Editor's note: This story was updated Jan. 10 to include a fifth reported death in Dallas County.
