Flu is on the rise in Mississippi, CDC says. Here are the counties that have it the worst
Now may not be the best time to visit the Big Easy.
According to a weekly CDC report of influenza cases, New Orleans and some surrounding parishes have the highest rates in the country and the Mississippi Coast is rising right behind them.
The CDC measures the spread of flu by looking at weekly data of flu activity — the number of outpatient visits, positive lab tests and deaths due to flu — and ranking regions by their levels of activity.
On a scale of one to 13 with 13 being the very highest, Louisiana is ranked a level 11 in flu activity for the week ending Nov. 25.
The southeast region of the state (including Acadiana, Northshore, Southeast, South Central and Capital regions) had the highest flu activity.
Lafayette was ranked as level 13. Baton Rouge and New Orleans were level 12.
For the same week, Mississippi was at a level 10, but counties closest to Louisiana and Tennessee had higher levels of activity.
10 Mississippi counties have high levels of flu activity
- Amite
- Benton
- Desoto
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Jackson
- Marshall
- Pike
- Tunica
- Tate
The CDC recommends everyone ages six months and older should get annual flu vaccinations.
While flu cases are on the rise in the South, vaccinations are lagging.
Mississippi had the lowest percentage of vaccinated children, six months to 17 years, in the country. Only 42.1% of Mississippi children were vaccinated.
The state had the fifth lowest rate of vaccination among adults 18 and older. About 38.9% of Mississippi adults have had their flu shot this year.
Flu vaccinations are available by injection, nasal spray or in high doses (for seniors). The state provides free vaccinations for children under 18 years of age and for underinsured adults. Visit the Mississippi Department of Health to find locations.
This story was originally published December 5, 2023 at 10:29 AM.
