Abdelrahman
Influenza Cases Surge in Eastern Idaho Amid Low Vaccination Rates
POCATELLO – This flu season, the number of influenza cases is climbing sharply across eastern Idaho. Reports indicate that this year’s flu cases outpace those recorded during the entirety of the previous season.
Nikki Sayer, the lead nurse for immunizations at Eastern Idaho Public Health, District 7, commented, “This flu season presents a different landscape than what we experienced last year.”
The uptick in flu cases coincides with a nationwide surge, marking one of the worst flu seasons in the United States in over 15 years, as reported by The Associated Press.
In Idaho, the Division of Public Health tracks flu cases using a measure known as the “weekly percent ILI,” which represents the percentage of patients visiting healthcare providers with influenza-like symptoms. According to Evan Bischoff, an epidemiologist at Southeast Idaho Public Health, District 6, the virus is so prevalent that not all cases are reported since influenza is not categorized as a mandatory reportable illness.
“We may not capture every report being shared,” Bischoff explained.
The peak of this flu season recorded a 9.8% weekly ILI, noticeably higher than the 6.15% recorded in the previous season. This year’s peak is the highest since data collection began in the 2009-2010 season. Although last season saw a high of 9.6%, reported cases began to decline shortly after that peak. Recently, reports indicated an increase in the ILI percentage from 5.3% to 6.5%.
In contrast, during the same timeframe last year, the ILI rate had plummeted to 3.3%, and the 2022-2023 season ultimately reached a low of 1.3%.
Butte County, located within District 6, is facing a severe outbreak of influenza and RSV, leading to school closures on Wednesday and Thursday. Joe Steele, superintendent of the Butte County Joint School District, stated that 28% of students were absent due to illness on Tuesday. With an enrollment of approximately 395 students this year, around 110 students were unable to attend school due to sickness.
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During the school closures, custodial staff will thoroughly disinfect the premises to curb the spread of the virus.
Bischoff emphasized that this outbreak appears localized, as similar spikes have not been observed in other areas. He noted, “Schools are particularly susceptible to the spread of influenza due to extended gatherings of people.”
The Idaho Division of Public Health reveals that more than half of Idaho residents forgo getting their annual flu shot. In 2023, approximately 67.9% of adults did not receive the vaccine, with District 6 and District 7 seeing rates of 68% and 70.5%, respectively.
Both Sayer and Bischoff stress the importance of increasing flu vaccination rates to mitigate the spread of the virus. While the flu shot doesn’t guarantee immunity, it significantly lowers the risk of severe symptoms.
Although most individuals recover from the flu, vulnerable populations—including the elderly (65 years and older) and young children (under 2 years)—are at greater risk for complications, according to the CDC.
This flu season in Idaho has already seen 40 fatalities attributed to the virus, according to the Division of Public Health.
“It’s crucial for everyone to get vaccinated—not just for personal health but to safeguard families and communities,” Sayer stated. Bischoff added, “We recommend the flu shot since it can lessen the severity of symptoms and diminish the risk of hospitalization.”
In addition to vaccination, both health officials encourage practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and enhancing indoor ventilation.
“Taking these precautions helps ensure that you and your loved ones remain healthy while minimizing the risk to the wider community,” Bischoff advised.
