Massachusetts sees another sharp rise in flu cases this past week

Documented flu cases have risen again this week in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Health, laboratory-confirmed influenza cases increased by 44% this week which leaves the state at a “moderate” level of cases.

The percent of influenza-like illness (ILI) visits in Massachusetts is 2.59%, which is higher than the regional baseline of 2.0%.

The percent of hospitalizations associated with influenza is 0.97%, which is higher than last season and the 2019-2020 season, but lower than the 2018-2019 season.

The West region of the state is reporting high ILI activity; the Central, Northeast and Southeast regions are reporting moderate ILI activity; Boston, Inner Metro Boston and Outer Metro Boston regions are reporting low ILI activity.

Over 1800 positive labs for influenza were reported this week, which is the highest weekly number reported all season causing the second peak of influenza A in Massachusetts. For influenza A, the predominant strain is currently H3N2.

The number of influenza vaccine doses administered this flu season is comparable to last season in the same week. The vaccination rate for all ages is 48%.

Nationally, influenza activity increased this week. Influenza activity is highest in the central and south-central regions of the country and is increasing in most regions.

At the end of March, statistics compiled by the CDC showed that laboratory-confirmed influenza cases increased by 84% that week.

The Massachusetts DPH points out that the majority of individuals with influenza-like illness are not tested; therefore, the number of positive test results does not reflect the total number of influenza cases in Massachusetts.