So far, this year’s flu season in La Plata County has been about average, but it’s not too late to get a vaccination, according to local health officials.
Surveillance of the 2016-17 season began Oct. 2 and is conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The “Colorado Flu Report” is updated weekly and will run until May 27.
According to the state’s data, there have been seven influenza-associated hospitalizations in La Plata County. None of those hospitalizations occurred during the week of Jan. 22 to Jan. 28.
That’s in contrast to statewide trends, where “flu activity continued to increase with significant increases, in influenza hospitalizations and reports of numerous long-term care facility outbreaks,” the report says.
For that same time period between Jan. 22 to Jan. 28, there were 115 additional influenza hospitalizations reported across Colorado, though because of reporting delays, it’s too early to determine the peak week for influenza hospitalizations.
Claire Ninde, spokeswoman for San Juan Basin Public Health, said it’s not too late to get vaccinations, which are available at local provider offices and pharmacies. She said the public health department also has a limited supply of flu shots.
Melony Jensen, a licensed practical nurse at Pediatric Associates of Durango, said the practice in Durango has seen the flu going around. This year, she said the practice has given about the average amount of vaccines as in years past.
“The majority of kids that we see in our office (with flu) have not received the vaccine,” Jensen said. “But kids are still getting them (vaccines), especially when they come in for a wellness check or follow-up visit.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu season this year is turning out worse than 2016’s mild season, with nearly every state reporting influenza outbreaks.
CDC data from the week ending Jan. 28 indicates 51 out of 54 jurisdictions are reporting widespread flu activity. To date, there have been 15 pediatric deaths.
The CDC estimated that over a 30-year study period between 1976-77 and 2006-07 seasons, “flu-associated deaths ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.”
Yet, a more recent study conducted from the 2010-11 to 2013-14 seasons found an elevated range of 12,000 to 56,000 deaths associated with influenza.
No pediatric deaths have been reported this season in Colorado. It’s unclear if there are any reported adult deaths.
According to The Pagosa Sun, at least 24 cases of flu have been diagnosed in Archuleta County during the last five weeks, though none of those cases required hospitalization.
According to state data, Montezuma County has had two influenza-associated hospitalizations this year. San Juan County has reported zero hospitalizations.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
