A slight dip in flu activity across Mississippi. After a slow but steady climb in the statewide flu rate for six straight weeks, it’s dropped from 4.3 per cent to 4.1. That’s the percentage of patients at doctors’ offices with flu-like symptoms. And while the percentage was down, the actual number of patients showing signs of the flu reached its highest level of the season, with 85 doctors’ offices reporting a total of 560 symptomatic patients.
Both public health districts in this area saw their flu rates drop. The district which includes Attala and Holmes counties went from almost 16 per cent to 11.5. And the district which includes Leake and Neshoba counties is at 6 per cent after being at 6.4.
But if last year is any example, the slight dip in the statewide flu rate could be followed by a significant increase. In 2023, after a similar wobble, we saw a sharp jump in flu activity over the next three weeks.
