Flu cases already showing up in Lavaca County

The Texas Influenza Surveillance Activity Report produced Friday, Oct. 7, and shared by the Lavaca County Office of Emergency Management suggests that the flu virus is getting an early start in Lavaca County this year.

According to that activity report, the percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza reported by hospital laboratories is increasing week to week, though the percentage of doctor visits because of flu-like symptoms actually decreased. 

One influenza-associated pediatric death was also reported. No influenza-associated institutional outbreaks or school closures have been reported.  

The Lavaca County Activity Level Report monitors Influenza Type A and B confirmed cases only, as per culture or PCR.

Lavaca County’s OEM noted that the majority of influenza cases are not reportable by law in Texas, because few ever go to the doctor with the flu. The attached map contains data from sentinel sites and only displays influenza and ILI cases that were reported to public health. Positive laboratory results are reported according to specimen collection date, or date received in the laboratory if the former is unknown.

The map displays cases known as of Oct. 1.