Flu cases on the rise across Arizona; 44% increase over last year
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Katie Campbell/KJZZ
Kayla Kinzer administers a flu vaccine to Phoenix Children's Hospital employee Elaina Steingard on Oct. 7, 2020.
Flu activity is on the rise nationally and across Arizona.
The state health department reported 190 new cases this week, bringing the seasonal total to 627.
That’s a 44% increase over last year and more than two and a half times that of a typical flu season.
Just over half of those cases occurred in Maricopa County, where more than three-fifths of Arizonans reside.
Notably, Mohave County — home to Lake Havasu City, Kingman and several reservations — accounts for 8% of cases statewide despite hosting only 3% of the state’s population.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine.
