CDC Says Flu Activity Has Reached Epidemic Threshold — New Map Reveals Which States Are Seeing Highest Levels

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that the current flu season has officially hit the epidemic threshold. So far, 15 children have reportedly died from influenza nationwide this year — but some states are seeing higher levels of the virus than others.

Source: CDC/Washington Post

It should be noted, however, that it is not unusual for flu activity to reach epidemic levels in the U.S., according to the Washington Post.

Still, the CDC revealed that the number of states seeing a “high” level of flu activity jumped from 13 to 22 in the span of one week.

In an emailed statement, the CDC’s flu division confirmed, “Right now, all of the CDC's influenza surveillance systems are showing elevated activity.”

That doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. The flu pattern unfolding at the moment is still “typical for the season.” In 2009, the flu season spiked to pandemic levels, and 348 children died of flu-related symptoms.

Source: CDC/Washington Post

Read more from the report here.