As of Friday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services had reported 2,088 flu cases since the start of flu season in September. This number is nearly 10 times the five-season average for this time of year.
The Cole County Health Department also reports the number of flu cases in the county is on the rise.
Both state and county health department statistics indicate the 5- to 14-year-old age group has been affected the most within the past few weeks.