TARRANT COUNTY EXPERIENCES INCREASE IN INFLUENZA ACTIVITY

Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) reports a significant increase in influenza (flu) activity in the last two weeks. The sharp rise in cases indicates Tarrant County is approaching the peak of the influenza season. TCPH predicts activity will drop in the weeks after the peak but will remain significantly elevated through February and possibly into March.

To date, there have been 46 flu outbreaks, primarily in schools (41 outbreaks), along with cases in other congregate settings. This marks a notable rise compared to the same period last year, which saw only nine reported outbreaks.

The peak percentage of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) for the current season has reached 20.8 percent of emergency department visits in the week that ended January 25. Of the 85,133 influenza tests, 11.5 percent were positive for influenza, with Influenza A accounting for 95.6 percent of cases and Influenza B making up 4.4 percent. In comparison, last year’s positivity rate at the same time was 12.3 percent of 97,740 influenza tests, with a more even distribution between Influenza A (60.1 percent) and Influenza B (39.9 percent). 

The preliminary school data from the week that ended January 25, indicates that an average of 10.5 percent of students were absent daily, with 13.5 percent of those absences attributed to ILI. Additionally, 5.1 percent of daily school nurse visits were related to ILI symptoms.

RSV Activity Decline:

While flu activity is on the rise, RSV-like illness activity has shown a decline. The peak RSV-like illness rate was 2.8 percent in Week 52 of last year, but as of Week 4 this season, it has dropped to 0.75 percent. This decline is a positive sign, but residents are still encouraged to remain vigilant, especially with flu activity increasing.

Tarrant County Public Health recommends residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families during this flu season by:

• Getting Vaccinated: The flu shot helps prevent severe illness and reduces transmission.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands regularly, cover coughs, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay Home When Sick: People with respiratory virus symptoms should stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
• Seek Medical Attention: Medications to treat influenza are available and effective in reducing the severity and length of illness if given early after becoming sick. Contact your health care provider to see if a medication is appropriate for you.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms call Tarrant County Public Health Call Center at 817-248-6299 for guidance or seek medical attention. For more information and the most recent data visit our Respiratory Diseases Dashboard.

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